The Stormers will be equally confident going into their clash against the Bristol Bears after their magnificent all-round display against the Sharks in Cape Town last weekend, which earned them a rewarding 39-22 victory, and the fact that they have also only suffered one defeat in the URC will undoubtedly add to their confidence.
But the Capetonians will be wary of the Bristol Bears, who also come off two wins in three Premiership matches, and who will be heavily determined to bounce back from their heavy 30-7 defeat against Saracens last weekend.
Spicing things up, both teams advanced to the Round of 16 last season and will be determined to improve on that finish in this campaign.
Kick off is at 16:15 (SA time).
KEEP TRACK OF THE STORMERS’ LIVE SCORING IN THE CHAMPIONS CUP
Director of Rugby John Dobson said that the Stormers are determined to make a strong start to the competition.
“We saw last season how important collecting points in the pool phase is in the Champions Cup, which makes your home matches crucial.
“We have kept a fair amount of continuity in selection as we look to build on some of the momentum from last week’s win. While it is disappointing to lose Hacjivah to concussion, we are able to call on Evan (Roos), who is raring to go, along with the new front row.
“The team is still buzzing from the incredible atmosphere created by our fans last week and we can’t wait to experience it all again as we take on a strong Bristol side that showed they understand what it takes to win in South Africa with a notable victory at Loftus Versfeld last season,” he added.
MATCH INFORMATION
STORMERS – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Subs: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Riley Norton, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Warrick Gelant.
Stormers v Bristol Bears
Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
SA Time: 16:15
Referee: Kevin Bralley
TV: SuperSport