Milestones galore as Stormers host Harlequins in Champions Cup

There will be a number of milestones reached for the Stormers in the Champions Cup Round of 16 encounter with Harlequins at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 4pm).

Centre Dan du Plessis, lock Ernst van Rhyn and prop Neethling Fouche are all set to earn their 50th Stormers caps, while veteran prop Brok Harris will reach a combined 250 caps for the Stormers and Western Province in the knock-out clash.

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Ruhan Nel makes his return to the team following the birth of his daughter and will partner Du Plessis in midfield, with Damian Willemse moving to fullback and Herschel Jantjies coming into the starting line-up at scrumhalf.

In the forward pack Van Rhyn starts in place of Ruben van Heerden, who is cup-tied having represented Exeter Chiefs earlier in the competition. As a result Gary Porter will provide lock cover from the replacements bench.

Special occasion

Stormers head coach John Dobson admitted that having so many milestones should make it an even more special occasion.

“We have a home Champions Cup knock-out match at the Cape Town Stadium, which is the stuff that dreams are made of,” said Dobson.

“It will be fantastic to also recognise Dan, Ernst, Neethling and Brok, who have all contributed so much to the team over the years.

“We are all looking forward to what should be a proper spectacle in front of the faithful at the Cape Town Stadium.”

Stormers: Damian Willemse, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis, Seabelo Senatla, Manie Libbok, Herschel Jantjies, Hacjivah Dayimani, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie, Marvin Orie, Ernst van Rhyn, Frans Malherbe, Joseph Dweba, Steven Kitshoff (captain).

Bench: JJ Kotze, Brok Harris, Neethling Fouche, Gary Porter, Willie Engelbrecht, Marcel Theunissen, Paul de Wet, Clayton Blommetjies.