Watch VideoDeon Fourie takes charge as Stormers chase big URC win in Belfast

Stalwart Deon Fourie will lead the Stormers on Friday evening in a crucial URC clash against Ulster in Belfast. Veteran Deon Fourie will lead the Stormers in their crucialUnited Rugby Championship (URC)clash against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night (8.45pm start), stepping in as captain with Ruhan Nel ruled out through injury. The experienced loose forward will earn his 140th cap for the Cape side in a matchwhere they will look to remain at the top of the logwith a victory at the Affidea Stadium.

Nel, who is out with a calf injury, is replaced at outside centre by Dan du Plessis, with Springbok Damian Willemse moving into the No 12 jersey tobulk up the midfield for the Ulster onslaught. Warrick Gelant returns to the side after missing the clash against the Glasgow Warriors and slots in at fullback. Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will form an exciting partnership with Imad Khan, who shoulders plenty of responsibility in the crucial encounter.

Up front, there’s another major milestone for Evan Roos, who will make his 73rd start at No 8, drawing level with Stormers legend Duane Vermeulen for the most starts at the back of the scrum. Roos lines up alongside Fourie and No 7 Ben-Jason Dixon in the loose trio, while Paul de Villiers, Hacjivah Dayimani and Keke Morabe are expected to provide impact off the bench later in the game. In the second row, Ruben van Heerden and Adré Smith continue their combination, and their lineout prowess on both sides of the ball will be crucial. Tighthead prop Sazi Sandi comes into the front row alongside Springbok hooker André-Hugo Venter and loosehead Ntuthuko Mchunu.