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Stormers lose two key players for URC semi-final against Connacht
Coach John Dobson and his team are one win away from featuring in the URC final for the second year in a row.
The Stormers face Connacht on Saturday in the URC semi-finals. Picture: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The Stormers have lost key loose forward Deon Fourie for their United Rugby Championship semi-final against Connacht at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is 4pm.
Springbok lock Marvin Orie has also missed out on making the side. Both Orie and Fourie picked up injuries in the Stormers‘ quarter-final win against the Bulls at home last weekend.
The winner of the match will face either Leinster or Munster in the URC final in Dublin.
Willie Engelbrecht will replace Fourie in the No 6 jersey while Ben-Jason Dixon comes in at lock for Orie.
New players on bench
There are also three new faces on the bench, namely lock Connor Evans, flank Marcel Theunissen and utility back Jean-Luc du Plessis.
Coach John Dobson said it was disappointing to lose players to injury at this stage of their campaign, but was nevertheless looking ahead to the match with excitement.
“We are thrilled to be hosting another semi-final and with another big crowd coming out, we want to repay the incredible support we enjoy with a fitting performance,” said Dobson.
“While it is disappointing not to have Deon and Marvin in the team, we have every confidence in the players who have come in, who have all proven their worth for us already this season.
“It will be another great occasion at Cape Town Stadium and we will be doing everything we can to make our supporters proud.”
Stormers: Damian Willemse, Angelo Davids, Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas, Manie Libbok, Herschel Jantjies, Evan Roos, Hacjivah Dayimani, Willie Engelbrecht, Ruben van Heerden, Ben-Jason Dixon, Frans Malherbe, Joseph Dweba, Steven Kitshoff (capt). Bench: JJ Kotze, Ali Vermaak, Neethling Fouche, Connor Evans, Marcel Theunissen, Paul de Wet, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
