Five Stormers fringe players with everything to prove in friendly against Seawolves

The Stormers XXIII will play a friendly match on Sunday afternoon against the touring Seattle Seawolves, with plenty at stake for the United Rugby Championship (URC) fringe players of the franchises.

It presents them with a chance to impress the Stormers coaches at the DHL Stadium (5.15pm kick-off) ahead of the final stretch of URC matches before the tournament reaches the knockout stages.

We look at five players who could use this clash to strengthen their case for more URC and Champions Cup minutes over the next few months.

Jurie Matthee (flyhalf)

The rookie has hardly put a foot wrong this season when he was at the attacking helm for the Cape side. However, he is playing second fiddle to incumbent Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, which makes it difficult for him.

But this game will give him the chance to take charge of play like he did earlier this season in the absence of Feinberg-Mngomezulu. It might not be in a testing clash, but he will still get some valuable minutes in the legs to keep him ready for the next call-up.

Oli Kebble (loosehead prop)

Injuries hampered his return to the Cape franchise, but in the couple of games he’s had, the former Scottish player showed his worth. While not the No 1 loosehead, his experience could prove vital for the Stormers in the playoffs.

His secondary job of schooling some of the youngsters in the Cape side will also be invaluable. Kebble will be one of the senior players on Sunday afternoon and must take the lead amongst the forwards.

Keke Morabe (eighthman)

Returning from a serious injury, all eyes will be on how Morabe cracks on in his first game in a long time. There’s plenty of promise in the youngster, but it will now be about getting game minutes into his legs.

His all-around game is his strong point, so the clash against the Seawolves will be a big test to see what level he is at. Morabe could be a game-changer for the Stormers and will look to work his way back to full fitness to get a crack with the senior side.

Jonathan Roche (inside centre)

The hard-running youngster had a couple of Stormers outings this season, but with the return of Damian Willemse, he fell down the pecking order again. However, some game minutes in his legs will keep him fresh for another opportunity.

Roche will want to make another step-up on Sunday, and his combination with outside centre Suleiman Hartzenberg could signal the beginning of an exciting midfield combination for the home team.

Lukhanyo Vokozela (hooker)

After impressing against the Bulls in the URC in Cape Town, and fronting up to Harlequins in his Champions Cup starting debut in January, the ‘angry, little man’, as Stormers director of rugby John Dobson described the hooker, will be burning for more action.

He gets a deserved start where he can put some pressure on the senior hookers in the squad as he eyes more minutes in the URC. His overall work rate will be watched carefully on Sunday as he aims to put in another strong shift.