Nel back as Stormers mix and match

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Ruhan Nel returns as one of nine changes to the DHL Stormers starting XV to face the Dragons at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Saturday.

Making his first appearance of the 2022-23 URC after injuring his neck in pre-season, Nel will join Dan du Plessis in midfield as coach John Dobson overhauls the defending champions’ matchday 23 from their bonus-point win over Scarlets in Cape Town last week.

New Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok is back to partner Herschel Jantjies at halfback, while Marvin Orie is joined in the second row by captain Salmaan Moerat, with Willie Engelbrecht and Nama Xaba packing down with Hacjivah Dayimani in a dynamic back row.

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Right wing Tristan Leyds is set to make his URC debut, along with loosehead Kwenzo Blose, while replacement prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko and utility back Mnombo Zwelendaba, too, are in line for their maiden bow in the competition.

Veterans Brok Harris and Deon Fourie are among those also expected to make an impact off the bench in Gqeberha.

With the halfway mark of the regular season moving into view, the Stormers occupy fourth spot on the log and level on points as the third-placed Vodacom Bulls (29), and in hot pursuit of unbeaten Leinster and Ulster at the top of the standings.

Stormers – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Tristan Leyds, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Willie Engelbrecht, 6 Nama Xaba, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Salmaan Moerat (c), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Kwenzo Blose.
Subs: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Deon Fourie, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Kade Wolhuter, 23 Mnombo Zwelendaba.

URC 2022/23: Get to know Dragons

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

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Devin Hermanus