Stormers’ Suleiman Hartzenberg to Fill Midfield Void in Champions Cup Clash

Suleiman Hartzenberg will step in for the injured Ruhan Nel in the midfield as the Stormers prepare to face Sale Sharks in a crucial Champions Cup match at Cape Town Stadium this Saturday. Nel sustained a knee injury in the New Year’s Eve clash against the Sharks and is expected to be out for a significant period.

To minimize disruption caused by Nel’s absence, Hartzenberg, who has been playing on the wing, will form a midfield partnership with Dan du Plessis. Considering the impact on the back division, Damian Willemse will start at fullback, with Warrick Gelant set to provide backup from the bench.

Courtnall Skosan and Herschel Jantjies return to the starting lineup on the wing and scrumhalf positions, respectively. Joseph Dweba, Connor Evans, and Nama Xaba also make their way back onto the replacement bench, along with hooker Joseph Dweba, lock Connor Evans, and flank Nama Xaba.

This match is a crucial one for both Sale and the Stormers, as they currently share four log points and sit five points behind Leinster and Leicester Tigers. A win on Saturday is essential for the Stormers to maintain their chances of progressing further in the tournament.

Stormers center Dan du Plessis emphasized the significance of this match, highlighting the physicality and challenge posed by Sale. He stated, ‘It’s really important that we put everything into these two games and see how the log turns out at the end of the pool stages.’

Sale, however, will be without influential flyhalf George Ford, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

Stormers coach John Dobson is hoping to replicate the incredible support his team has received in recent home matches. He acknowledged the tough challenge that Sale will present and expects an intense battle.

The Stormers lineup for the match includes Damian Willemse, Courtnall Skosan, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas, Manie Libbok, Herschel Jantjies, Hacjivah Dayimani, Ben Jason-Dixon, Deon Fourie (captain), Ruben van Heerden, Adre Smith, Neethling Fouche, Andre-Hugo Venter, and Sti Sithole. On the bench are Joseph Dweba, Ali Vermaak, Brok Harris, Connor Evans, Marcel Theunissen, Nama Xaba, Paul de Wet, and Warrick Gelant.