Bongi on Stormers bench for URC clash with Ulster, Nel returns to captain team

New recruit Bongi Mbonambi has been included in the Stormers team to face Ulster in a United Rugby Championship encounter at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, after being released by the Sharks earlier in the day Wednesday.

Mbonambi, who played for the Stormers and Western Province previously, will play from the bench.

Vernon Paulo will start at hooker in the absence of several unavailable players.

There are 10 changes in total to the matchday squad from the side that featufred last week.

Ruhan Nel returns to lead the side from outside centre and will link up in midfield with Jonathan Roche, who has recovered from concussion.

Warrick Gelant, Hacjivah Dayimani and Lukhanyo Vokozela have all been ruled out due to concussion protocols this week. Damian Willemse starts at fullback in place of Gelant, while in the loose trio Evan Roos shifts from blindside flank to the back of the scrum, with Louw Nel coming into the starting line-up.

The halfback pairing of Cobus Reinach and Yaqeen Ahmed that finished the win against Scarlets so strongly last weekend will start on Saturday, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu being rested and Haashim Pead among the replacements.

JD Schickerling and Adré Smith start in the second row, with Riley Norton and Connor Evans set for impact roles, along with explosive loose forward Wandile Mlaba.

In the front row Wilco Louw and Paulo join Ntuthuko Mchunu, with André-Hugo Venter unavailable through injury and JJ Kotzé serving a suspension.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that it will be important for the new combinations to click against a dangerous Ulster team.

“There are many changes, but every player coming in bar the vastly experienced Bongi Mbonambi has already played an important role for us this season.

“It will take a big effort to end this phase of the season with a fourth straight win at home and everyone is determined to give our fans another win at Cape Town Stadium.

“After this match we go into a four-week break, so you can expect to see them leave it all out there on Saturday,” he said.

Stormers: Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel (capt), Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Yaqeen Ahmed, Cobus Reinach, Evan Roos, Louw Nel, Paul de Villiers, JD Schickerling, Adré Smith, Wilco Louw, Vernon Paulo, Ntuthuko Mchunu. Bench: Bongi Mbonambi, Vernon Matongo, Neethling Fouché, Riley Norton, Connor Evans, Wandile Mlaba, Haashim Pead, Wandisile Simelane.