Overview

• John Dobson confirmed the Stormers’ matchday 23 for Friday’s season kickoff at Cape Town Stadium, with 19:00 local time listed for the headline fixture.
• Three newcomers are set for debuts off the bench as 19-year-old prop Olly Reid, loose forward Ruan Ackermann and flyhalf Clinton Swart were included, while Warrick Gelant was ruled out with a calf strain and Wandisile Simelane starts at fullback.
• The Stormers are without Springboks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse and Cobus Reinach, and they also lose captain Salmaan Moerat and fellow leader Deon Fourie to injury.
• Leinster travel with Nienaber’s defensive imprint and a reputation for high-tempo, well-drilled rugby, as Stormers voices highlight a plan built on physicality, work rate and home support.
• All four South African franchises open their campaigns this weekend, with Glasgow v Sharks, Bulls v Ospreys and Cardiff v Lions also scheduled, as the injury-hit Lions target points on a three-match tour.