With Kolbe confirmed on a two-year deal and Kolisi and Louw already inked, the Stormers are assembling a squad with genuine title ambitions for 2026/27. Planet Rugby projects a potential 23 that places Kolbe straight into the starting XV on the right wing, with the backline built around a Willemse-at-12 axis that allows Feinberg-Mngomezulu to play with freedom and Kolbe to find space. Gelant likely retains the 15 shirt, with Simelane's versatility deployed off the bench. Reinach and Feinberg-Mngomezulu are pencilled in as the first-choice half-back pairing, though Imad Khan is pushing hard after a strong season. Up front, Kolisi slots to blindside, Louw at tighthead, and Evan Roos anchors the eight — with a potential Lavanini signing at lock the one move that could significantly upgrade the forward pack further.
How Kolbe, Kolisi and Louw reshape the Stormers' 2026/27 lineup
Planet Rugby projects the Stormers' 2026/27 starting lineup following the Kolbe, Kolisi, and Louw signings — a backline built for attacking flair around Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Willemse, with a power-focused pack that could get even stronger if Lavanini arrives.
Dobson: Kolbe returning to win trophies, not to wind down
John Dobson says Cheslin Kolbe has made a major financial sacrifice to return to the Stormers, motivated by winning trophies rather than winding down his career, while warning the franchise is close to its limit on high-profile signings.
Bomb Squad saves the Boks, but SFM and the returning stars leave questions unanswered
The Bomb Squad bailed the Boks out in Buenos Aires, but SFM's errors, De Jager's struggles and Kolisi's injury exit mean the narrow win raises as many selection questions as it answers ahead of the All Blacks opener.
Argentina trip will reveal Erasmus's first-choice XV for the All Blacks series
The 15 Boks staying home while a second group travels to Buenos Aires are shaping up as the All Blacks series core. Feinberg-Mngomezulu's availability, Etzebeth's concussion clearance, and Esterhuizen's recovery are the key variables to watch as the selection picture firms up.
Nations Championship done — now Erasmus faces his real selection headache
The Nations Championship was the easy part. This piece breaks down the selection puzzle Erasmus now faces ahead of the All Blacks series — who's locked in, who needs to prove fitness in Buenos Aires, and how Paul de Villiers has complicated the Kolisi question.
Kolbe's kicking arm eases Rassie's flyhalf headache
Kolbe's kicking form against the Barbarians gives Erasmus a safety net that softens the flyhalf selection dilemma — Rich breaks down what the Gqeberha weekend really revealed ahead of England on 4 July.