The Stormers are gearing up for an intense battle in the Champions Cup as they face off against England’s Harlequins in London tonight (10pm kick-off) to stay alive in the competition.

The squad will see a significant boost with the return of towering lock Salmaan Moerat, who will captain the Capetonians in what marks his first appearance following an injury layoff.

But looking at the players selected by director of rugby John Dobson yesterday, one can’t help but feel they will be too light in experience to take on a powerful Harlequins on their home turf at Twickenham Stoop.

The Stormers have restructured their line-up, with Moerat at the helm of a squad embellished with fresh talent, including five debutants eager to leave their mark on the international stage.

They will also have a big opportunity to make a name for themselves in the foreign conditions.

Loosehead prop Vernon Matongo is the only newcomer in the starting XV, while tighthead Corné Weilbach, flank Paul de Villiers, centre Jonathan Roche and outside back JC Mars are set to make their first appearances donning the Stormers jersey from the bench.

There will be excitement about De Villiers, a ball-stealing flank, and Mars, a hot-stepping outside back, when they make their way onto the park in the second half.

Dobson expressed confidence in his team’s unique blend of youth and experience, and they will look to a previous English encounter as motivation to perform in the Champions Cup.

“The one thing they all have in common is that they are hungry to perform this weekend,” he said about his fringe players.

While the Stormers are plagued by injuries to their top Springboks, Dobson and his management also decided to rest some of their starters for two tough United Rugby Championship home derbies coming up in the next two weeks against the Lions and Sharks.

Dobson added that the players have spent ample time training together, preparing for tonight’s significant encounter against formidable opponents.

The Cape side are in desperation mode, needing to win this match to stay alive in the tournament. Another loss, after falling to Toulon 24-14 in Gqeberha last weekend, will most likely spell the end of their campaign.

Alongside Moerat, who has shown incredible resilience in his recovery from yet another injury setback in his Stormers career, Clayton Blommetjies will return at fullback, providing added depth and experience to the backline.

The game-breaking abilities of Blommetjies, coupled with his ability to kick with both feet, will be crucial to the Stormers’ cause, especially when they are pinned in their half.

Two former Blitzboks stars in Seabelo Senatla and Angelo Davids will combine on the wing for the visitors, and should they be put into space, they can become deadly attackers.

There will be a rare chance for exciting outside centre Wandisile Simelane to show his mettle in the midfield.

Simelane has joined the Stormers with big expectations, but he hasn’t really hit his straps, with Ruhan Nel and Dan du Plessis the preferred centre combination.

All the attention will be on the halfback pairing of flyhalf Jurie Matthee and scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer, who will need to drive the Stormers’ tactical game, while they also have to provide momentum on attack throughout.

The Stormers’ pack will see loose forwards Louw Nel and Dave Ewers anchoring each side of the scrum.

Moerat will be complemented by a fit-again Connor Evans in the second row, showcasing a robust and competitive unit to set the tone defensively and with their ball carries against Harlequins.

Stormers Team

15 Clayton Blommetjies 14 Angelo Davids 13 Wandisile Simelane 12 Jean-Luc du Plessis 11 Seabelo Senatla 10 Jurie Matthee 9 Stefan Ungerer 8 Willie Engelbrecht 7 Louw Nel 6 Dave Ewers 5 Connor Evans 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain) 3 Sazi Sandi 2 JJ Kotze 1 Vernon Matongo.

Bench: 16 André-Hugo Venter 17 Leon Lyons 18 Corné Weilbach 19 Gary Porter 20 Paul de Villiers 21 Dewaldt Duvenage 22 Jonathan Roche 23 JC Mars.

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