Manie Libbok topples Sacha as Stormers flyhalf
Manie Libbok has replaced Sacha-Feinberg Mngomezulu as Stormers playmaker for Friday's crucial clash against Cardiff in Cape Town.
John Dobson has made several changes to the run-on lineup as the Stormers look to end the league phase of their URC campaign with a fourth straight win.
The big talking point from the team announcement is the selection of Libbok at flyhalf ahead of Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who surprisingly drops to the bench.
Libbok makes his return from injury and will be partnered by fellow Springbok Herschel Jantjies at halfback.
In what is a massive milestone for both team and player, Suleiman Hartzenberg will play his 50th game for the Cape side on Friday.
Hartzenberg is joined by Leolin Zas and Damian Willemse in a potent back three, with Wandisile Simelane joined by Dan du Plessis in midfield.
Up front, tighthead prop Neethling Fouché makes his return from suspension and will line up alongside Sti Sithole and Joseph Dweba in the front row.
Captain Salmaan Moerat is joined by JD Schickerling in the second row, with Dave Ewers and Louw Nel on the flanks and Marcel Theunissen at the back of the scrum.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu alongside scrumhalf Paul de Wet and wing Ben Loader will provide impact in the second half from the Stormers' replacements bench.
Experienced hooker Scarra Ntubeni features on a replacements bench that also includes the likes of props Vernon Matongo and Sazi Sandi as well as lock Connor Evans and flank Paul de Villiers.
Dobson said that his Stormers side understands that they will need to be at their best to continue the winning momentum they have built up in the last month.
'The last three matches at home have seen us gain some confidence and secure our play-off spot with a game to go, but we know we are in for a big test against a Cardiff side that has it all to play for.
'We have made some changes to ensure that we have enough players with recent game-time heading into the play-offs and we are looking forward to seeing what those coming into the mix this week can do.
'We are also very aware that we are unlikely to play at home again this season, so we want to put together a good performance for the fans that have shown us such incredible support,' he said.
Stormers – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Sti Sithole.
Subs: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ben Loader.
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