Overview
- Director of Rugby John Dobson named a 23‑man matchday squad on Wednesday that includes 11 Springboks and lists Haashim Pead as a likely bench debutant for the October 10 derby at DHL Stadium.
- There are three backline changes with Damian Willemse at fullback, Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu partnering Cobus Reinach at halfback, and Ruhan Nel appointed captain.
- The pack features Wilco Louw earning his first Stormers cap since 2020 and lock Adré Smith starting for the first time this season, while Siya Kolisi shifts to the blindside flank.
- Bench options emphasise experience and impact with Deon Fourie named as hooker cover alongside props Neethling Fouché and Vernon Matongo and finishers Riley Norton and Evan Roos available to change the game.
- The pick reflects short‑term roster management for overlapping Test windows, gives seven returning Springboks their first Stormers game this season, and pairs immediate competitiveness with squad depth and player development as the team debuts its new 'Men in Black' kit at home.