Double front row boost as Stormers gear up for URC opener in Cape Town

Ahead of the start of the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Stormers have received a double boost in the front row as they look to continue their dominance in the scrums this season.

The Cape side open their campaign on Friday at DHL Stadium against defending champions Leinster in a clash that could set the tone for the year. While they will be without two key backline players in Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, they are expected to field a full-strength pack to lay a strong platform against the Irish giants.

Loosehead prop and former Scotland international Oli Kebble, along with tighthead Hencus van Wyk, have linked up with the squad to further bolster their options.

Kebble, a Western Province junior, made 47 appearances for the Stormers before moving abroad. He returns as part of a trade deal with the Bulls that saw Sti Sithole head to Pretoria after an injury-plagued second stint in Cape Town.

Van Wyk (33) has been brought in as experienced cover and to mentor the Stormers’ younger props, having most recently featured for the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup.

The Stormers recently completed their pre-season camp in George and are now building towards their season opener.

“Oli and Hencus will add significant depth to our current senior squad. Both players understand what is required to deliver at this level, and we are looking forward to seeing the impact they have on our system,” said Stormers director of rugby John Dobson.

“We have recently lost the likes of Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe to long-term injuries, and with Neethling Fouché now in the Springbok mix, it was important to bring in some experienced heads.”

The Stormers are set to rely on Jurie Matthee and Clinton Swart at fly-half, while the backline has been steadied by the return of centres Ruhan Nel and Dan du Plessis from injury. Du Plessis missed the pre-season matches but has been declared fit.

Utility back Suleiman Hartzenberg is expected to return at the end of November, ruling him out of the opening tour.