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Three weeks after running South Africa to their victory in the ‘Greatest Rivalry’ series New Zealand in Baltimore, two-time World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi will be the second Stormers debut against Edinburgh at the Hive Stadium on Friday.
Kolisi played 118 games for Cape Town between 2012 and 2020 before two spells at the Sharks, either side of an underwhelming stint with Race 92 in Paris.
The Springbok captain will start at openside in what will be his first appearance for the Stormers in six years, following his return to Cape Town.
Kolisi is one of the few experienced names in the starting side. Warrick Gelant was selected at full-back and Seabelo Senatla was included on the wing.
Center Ruhan Nel captain of the team for the URC meeting.
The Stormers pack also includes André-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouché, JD Schickerling and Hacjivah Dayimani, while Stefan Ungerer and Yaqeen Ahmed form the half-back partnership.
“Last week’s performance against Connacht was encouraging in many ways but we would like to see a more relentless edge to our game that we have been working on this week,” said DHL Stormers DoR John Dobson.
“We know Edinburgh is a tough place to play and we have some experience coming in, with Siya, Ntuthuko and Stefan along with Yaqeen Ahmed and Wandile Mlab, who are both really exciting young players.
“It will take a big effort from all 23 players to get a result before we return to Cape Town for what will be a crucial period in the context of our season.”
Among the replacements are Andre Warner, Vandisile Simelane and Adré Smith.
DHL Stormers: Warrick Gelant, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel (CAPT), Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Yaqeen Ahmed, Stefan Ungerer, Ntuthuko Mchunu, André-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouché, Riley Norton, JD Schickerling, Siya Kolisi, Ha Louw Nel,
Replacements: Vernon Paulo, Vernon Matongo, Sazi Sandi, Connor Evans, Adré Smith, Wandile Mlaba, Andre Warner, Wandisile Simelane
