Roos steps in for Stormers in Investec Champions Cup opener

Evan Roos will make his first appearance of the season for the DHL Stormers in their Investec Champions Cup opener against Bristol Bears at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

The Springbok loose forward returns against the English team in a blockbuster encounter, which kicks off at 4.15pm on Saturday. Tickets are available from stormers.co.za.

Roos’ return from a hamstring injury is timely, with Hacjivah Dayimani ruled out due to concussion, while the only other changes from the team that faced the Hollywoodbets Sharks last week see an all-new front row come into the starting line-up.

Vernon Matongo, JJ Kotzé and Sazi Sandi will run out just behind captain Ruhan Nel at DHL Stadium, with André-Hugo Venter, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Zachary Porthen set to make an impact from the replacements bench.

The starting backline is unchanged, with Warrick Gelant among the replacements this week for the Champions Cup clash.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that his team is determined to make a strong start to the competition.

“We saw last season how important collecting points in the pool phase is in the Investec Champions Cup, which makes your home matches crucial.

“We have kept a fair amount of continuity in selection as we look to build on some of the momentum from last week’s win. While it is disappointing to lose Hacjivah to concussion, we are able to call on Evan, who is raring to go, along with the new front row,” he said.

Dobson said that anticipation is building within the camp for another great day out at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

“The team is still buzzing from the incredible atmosphere created by our fans last week and we can’t wait to experience it all again as we take on a strong Bristol side that showed they understand what it takes to win in South Africa with a notable victory at Loftus Versfeld last season,” he added.

DHL Stormers starting XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (capt), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas; 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach; 8 Evan Roos, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers; 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith; 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Vernon Matongo. Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Riley Norton, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Warrick Gelant.