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Veteran Brok Harris back in the fold as Stormers take on Munster
“It is good to be back, seven years is a long time, it is just good to be in this environment again."
Stormers head coach, John Dobson and prop Brok Harris talk to the media ahead of their match with Munster. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
Veteran prop Brok Harris headlines six changes to the Stormers side that fronts up against Munster in their United Rugby Championship clash at Thomond Park in Limerick, Wales on Saturday evening (kickoff 8.35pm).
Short-term signing Harris comes into the side for Leon Lyons who drops to the bench while loan signings, lock Adre Smith and scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer both come into the starting line up for Ernst van Rhyn and Paul de Wet respectively.
Flank Nama Xaba comes in for Deon Fourie, centre Dan du Plessis for Rikus Pretorius and wing Leolin Zas for Edwill van der Merwe to round out the changes from the side that were beaten by Benetton Treviso last weekend.
“Brok has got massive experience, he has over a hundred games in Wales, very close to a hundred for the Stormers and more than that for Western Province and he is a leader in the group, he knows these conditions and the opposition so that was a no brainer for us,” explained Stormers coach John Dobson.
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“Adre was brilliant last week (off the bench) and we know how outstanding he has been in the Currie Cup so we wanted to give him the opportunity (to start). Nama (Xaba) was a no brainer for Deon (Fourie).
“Regarding Stef Ungerer, the conditions here are looking messy and he has a great kicking game, we have been impressed with him over the training period and in the Currie Cup just like Adre Smith. Dan (du Plessis) is probably defensively our best 12. Edwill is nursing a small injury to his knee, he will be back next week so (Leolin) Zas gets an opportunity.”
Seven years after 36-year old Harris last turned out for the Stormers he steps back into the breach to earn his 94th cap in an experienced front row that includes Scarra Ntubeni and Neethling Fouche.
They will front up against a tough front row featuring Irish internationals Dave Kilcoyne and Niall Scannell, along with young South African prop Keynan Knox.
“It is good to be back, seven years is a long time, it is just good to be in this environment again with all the youngsters that are coming through and especially teaming up with Scarra again is really good,” said Harris.
“It is a pretty big (scrum challenge), they have Graham Rowntree as their forwards coach, with Johan van Graan there, so we know how big the challenge is going to be and we have worked hard this week to be technically good and play the conditions.”
