The Stormers return home from a two-match URC tour having banked six points — a win over Connacht and a 17-13 defeat to Edinburgh — with their focus now firmly on Saturday's home derby against the Sharks, and with a significant injection of Springbok talent back in the selection mix.
The Edinburgh loss was largely self-inflicted. A lineout that malfunctioned badly cost the Stormers both possession and their primary mauling weapon, and it was a collective failure rather than one attributable solely to any individual. Defence coach Norman Laker defended Vernon Paulo, the replacement hooker on the night who has been most visibly associated with the collapse, though Paulo is likely to make way now that both Andre-Hugo Venter and JJ Kotze are available. Kotze missed the tour for family reasons. Laker expects Venter to clear return-to-play protocols in time to feature. Deon Fourie, who turned 40 last week and has recent Bok experience at hooker, has also made clear he will fill whatever role the team requires.
The loose forward selection poses the more complex headache. Siya Kolisi, back in Stormers colours for the first time in several years after his stint at the Sharks, is joined in the squad by Fourie and Paul de Villiers — all three capped Bok opensides — while the No 8 spot hinges on whether Evan Roos passes a fitness test after the hamstring strain that forced him out of the Connacht game at the last minute. Ben-Jason Dixon's availability for what would be his first URC appearance of the season adds another variable to a selection equation Laker openly conceded he is glad not to have to solve.
Beyond the forwards, Zachary Porthen, Wilco Louw, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse are all expected to be available after resting out of the tour following the conclusion of the Rugby Championship. The one notable absentee remains Cheslin Kolbe, sidelined with the broken jaw he suffered during the Bok season.