Watch VideoJurie Matthee’s chance to shine as Stormers chase history in Leinster URC semi-final clash

Stormers flyhalf Jurie Matthee is set for the biggest test of his career when he starts for the Cape side in their URC semi-final against Leinster on Saturday evening. TheStormershave been forced into three changes to their starting XV for Saturday’sUnited Rugby Championship (URC)semi-final against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (6.30pm kick-off). Injuries sustained duringlast week’s hard-fought quarter-final victory over Cardiff in Cape Townhave ruled out winger Seabelo Senatla, flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and lineout caller Ruben van Heerden.

Their places will be taken by Wandisile Simelane at winger, youngster Jurie Matthee coming in at flyhalf, and Connor Evans slotting into the second row.There is just one change among the replacements, with playmaker Warrick Gelant returning to the matchday 23 to provide valuable cover across the backline in a six-two replacement bench split in favour of the forwards. The clash will also mark a significant milestone in midfield, with captain Ruhan Nel and Dan du Plessis set to make their 31st start together in the midfield. The pairing moves ahead of De Wet Barry and Marius Joubert as the most-capped centre combination in the Stormers’ history.

Director of rugby John Dobson is aware of the challenge awaiting his side against the defending champions on their home patch, but he backed his team to embrace the challenge and rise to the occasion. “This will be a big challenge for everyone involved against a team with a great pedigree and formidable home record, but these are the occasions we live for, and I have no doubt that our team will put in a worthy performance,” he said with his team announcement.