Stormers flyhalf Jurie Matthee is set for the biggest test of his career when he starts for the Cape side in their URC semi-final against Leinster on Saturday evening.
The Stormers have been forced into three changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (6.30pm kick-off).
Injuries sustained during last week’s hard-fought quarter-final victory over Cardiff in Cape Town have ruled out winger Seabelo Senatla, flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and lineout caller Ruben van Heerden.
Their places will be taken by Wandisile Simelane at winger, youngster Jurie Matthee coming in at flyhalf, and Connor Evans slotting into the second row. There is just one change among the replacements, with playmaker Warrick Gelant returning to the matchday 23 to provide valuable cover across the backline in a six-two replacement bench split in favour of the forwards.
The clash will also mark a significant milestone in midfield, with captain Ruhan Nel and Dan du Plessis set to make their 31st start together in the midfield. The pairing moves ahead of De Wet Barry and Marius Joubert as the most-capped centre combination in the Stormers’ history.
