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2w ago

Stormers Make 18 Changes as Teen Markus Muller Earns First URC Start

John Dobson says the heavily altered selection blends youth and experience to manage injuries, rest regulars and accelerate player development.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 01: Markus Muller of the DHL Stormers XXIII scores a try during the Carling Currie Cup, Premier Division match between DHL Stormers XXIII and Hollywoodbets Sharks XV at DHL Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 21: Markus Muller and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu during the DHL Stormers training session at High Performance Centre on October 21, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
Stormers loose forward Paul de Villiers will lead the team for the second time in their URC match against Scarlets in Cape Town on Saturday. Picture: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
KWAAI: Stormers starlet Markus Muller will make his first URC start against Scarlets on Saturday

Overview

  • The Stormers announced on Wednesday that they will field a matchday 23 with 18 changes for Saturday’s URC game against the Scarlets at Cape Town Stadium.
  • Nineteen-year-old Markus Muller will make his first United Rugby Championship start at inside centre and Haashim Pead will make his first start at scrumhalf.
  • Paul de Villiers will captain the side for a second time as regular captain Ruhan Nel is being rested and Hacjivah Dayimani returns from a concussion-related absence.
  • Experienced players including Cobus Reinach and Deon Fourie are named on the bench to provide finishing impact and leadership for the younger combinations.
  • Dobson framed the move as a way to protect player welfare, cover Springbok call-ups and fixture congestion, and to test young prospects such as Riley Norton and Yaqeen Ahmed while building on recent wins.