Kolisi Returns to the Stormers After Five-Year Absence
Siya Kolisi is gearing up for his eagerly anticipated return to the DHL Stormers as they face Edinburgh in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship at Hive Stadium this Friday night, marking over five years since his previous match.
Returning to the team where his professional career began, Kolisi will proudly wear the DHL Stormers jersey for the 119th time when he steps onto the field in Edinburgh, with kick-off set for 20:45 SAST on Friday.
Kolisi will take the position of openside flank, while Louw Nel moves to blindside flank and Riley Norton will fill the second row. The forward pack will also see Ntuthuko Mchunu starting in the front row this week.
In the backline, newcomers Stefan Ungerer and Yaqeen Ahmed will be positioned at halfback and flyhalf respectively.
The bench features one fresh face, with Wandile Mlaba added for loose-forward support.
Director of Rugby John Dobson highlighted the necessity of finishing the tour on a victorious note before returning to Cape Town for four consecutive home matches.
“Our performance against Connacht last week showed potential, but we aim to sharpen our gameplay, which we have focused on this week,” he said.
“We are aware that Edinburgh is a formidable opponent, and with Siya, Ntuthuko, and Stefan bringing their experience, alongside the promising young talents of Yaqeen Ahmed and Wandile Mlaba, we are feeling positive.”
“A united effort from all 23 players will be critical for us to achieve a win before we head back to Cape Town for an important stretch in our season,” he remarked.
DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Adré Smith, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Andre Warner, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
