Two-time World Cup winner, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, is preparing for his long-awaited return to the Stormers bench in the upcoming United Rugby Championship match against Ulster, which will take place on Saturday at the DHL Stadium.
Mbonambi's substitution is part of 10 changes to the squad and one tactical substitution made by rugby director John Dobson. The Cape Town team aims to secure its fourth consecutive home victory before the four-week break in the competition.
The 35-year-old front-row veteran, recently returned to the Stormers from the Sharks, provides crucial support to the front row, which is weakened by Andre-Hugo Venter's injury and J.J. Kotze's suspension.
Young player Vernon Paulo will start the game at hooker alongside Vilko Lou and Ntutuko Mchunu, while Mbonambi, Vernon Matongo, and Nitling Fushe are ready to make an impact in the second half.
Centre Ruhan Nel returns to the captaincy, playing in the midfield with Jonathan Ross, who has successfully passed concussion protocols. Damian Willemse moves to fullback, replacing Warrick Gelant, who is under observation for Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols, alongside Hajiva Daimani and Lukahanyo Vokozela.
Kobus Reinach and young talent Yakin Ahmed start in the halves following an impressive performance in the last victory over Scarlets. Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu rests, and Hashim Pead will feature as a substitute scrum-half.
D. J. Schickering and Adre Smith start in the second row, while Evan Roos moves to number 8 to allow Lou Nel to start on the blind side wing alongside Paul de Villiers.
Dobson noted: 'There are many changes, but every player, except the very experienced Bongi Mbonambi, has already played an important role for us this season.' He added that 'it will require great effort to finish this phase of the season with a fourth consecutive home win, and everyone is determined to give our fans another victory at the DHL Stadium. After this match, we go into a four-week break, so you can expect them to give everything on the field on Saturday.'