The highly anticipated United Rugby Championship (URC) final will take place on Saturday at DHL Stadium, pitting the DHL Stormers against Munster. The return of Springbok flanker Deon Fourie and Marvin Orie to the Stormers’ lineup adds a significant boost to their chances of winning the trophy.
Fourie and Orie Back in Action
Fourie and Orie’s absence from the semifinal due to injury prevented them from contributing to the team’s victory. However, their return is expected to add an exciting dimension to the contest. The players’ presence in the starting lineup for the grand finale is a noteworthy advantage for the Stormers, complementing the skills and leadership of their teammates.
Complete Sell-Out of Tickets
The high demand for the match led to a complete sell-out of tickets within hours, ensuring a packed stadium and heavy traffic in the surrounding area. To avoid congestion, spectators are advised to arrive three hours early and utilize free MyCiTi buses from designated locations.
Eventful Pre-Game
To entertain the early attendees, DHL Stadium will open its gates at 15h30, featuring a beer garden, a live DJ, and various fan activations.
Stormers’ Lineup
The Stormers’ backline will remain unchanged from their semifinal victory against Connacht, with Clayton Blommetjies stepping in for the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. The team’s starting forwards that did not participate in the previous season’s URC Grand Final at DHL Stadium are hooker Joseph Dweba and lock Ruben van Heerden.
Dobson Acknowledges Challenge
Munster, a formidable opponent, has never been defeated by the Stormers. Despite the home advantage, Head Coach John Dobson acknowledges the challenge posed by the opposing team. However, the grand final is expected to be a momentous occasion, not only for the team and its dedicated supporters but also for the city of Cape Town.
Embracing the Atmosphere
The Stormers’ coach emphasizes the significance of the team’s connection to its fan base and the city, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. Dobson encourages his players to embrace the electrifying atmosphere, enjoy every moment, and continue playing the brand of rugby that brought them to the final.
DHL Stormers Team Lineup
The DHL Stormers team lineup for the URC final against Munster includes:
- 15 Damian Willemse
- 14 Angelo Davids
- 13 Ruhan Nel
- 12 Dan du Plessis
- 11 Leolin Zas
- 10 Manie Libbok
- 9 Herschel Jantjies
- 8 Evan Roos
- 7 Hacjivah Dayimani
- 6 Deon Fourie
- 5 Marvin Orie
- 4 Ruben van Heerden
- 3 Frans Malherbe
- 2 Joseph Dweba
- 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain)
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
