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3w ago

Stormers Name Markus Muller in Eight-Change Lineup as Sharks Add Junior Boks

Squad changes signal a push to fast-track U20 world champions into senior Currie Cup rugby.

Danie van der Lith/Gallo Images
Markus Muller makes his Currie Cup debut this weekend. Picture: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
Junior Springbok fullback Luan Giliomee scores a try during the U20 International Series match against Fiji U20s at Wynberg Boys' High School in Cape Town. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
SA U20 flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed has been in great form for the Junior Springboks and shone in the SA A–Zimbabwe game. Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images

Overview

  • The Currie Cup Round Three fixture between the Stormers XXIII and Sharks XV is scheduled for Saturday 1 August at DHL Stadium in Cape Town with Dylen November named as referee.
  • The Stormers made eight changes to their starting XV after a heavy 41-3 loss to Boland, promoting 19-year-old Markus Muller to make his Currie Cup debut at outside centre.
  • Fellow Junior Springbok winners Danie Kruger and hooker Altus Rabie are on the Stormers’ bench and could also see their first Currie Cup action for the union.
  • Sharks coach Mike Vowles has added several returning Junior Springboks to his matchday 23 to inject finishing power late in games after a recent second-half fade in their loss to the Cheetahs.
  • Unions are managing player allocation with an upcoming United Rugby Championship Test at stake, so the Currie Cup sides are being used as a development platform while some senior players are being held for next week’s URC selection.