Stormers get shock boost for semi

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The Stormers have received a surprise injury boost for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-final against Ulster in Cape Town on Saturday.

There is just one change to the team that defeated Edinburgh in the quarter-final last week, with Damian Willemse making an unexpected return from injury to start at inside centre for the knock-out clash which kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.

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Rikus Pretorius’ ankle injury in the quarter-final prompted questions over who the Stormers would field at inside centre this week, but Willemse has been passed fit, with Sacha Mngomezulu, who made his Stormers debut against Edinburgh, keeping his place on the bench.

“Damian is another phenomenal player and credit must go to him and the medical staff for getting him ready for this game. He is a world-class performer who would make a difference to any team,” John Dobson said.

Meanwhile, Seabelo Senatla is set to make his 50th appearance for the Stormers. Senatla made his Stormers debut in 2014 and has also had a glittering Sevens career, scoring a record 230 tries for the Blitzboks.

The speedster missed the first four games of the URC season due to injury, but is still third on the try-scorers list with nine tries.

“Seabelo is an incredibly gifted athlete who would have reached this milestone long ago if he wasn’t also one of the greatest Sevens players of all time,” said Dobosn. “He deserves all the plaudits that come his way, he is a true professional and a big part of our success this season.”

Stormers – 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c)
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Nama Xaba, 22 Godlen Masimla, 23 Sacha Mngomezulu.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Image

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Dylan Jack