Bok-less Stormers name strong squad for trip to England log leaders, Harris captains

The Stormers have named a matchday squad of 26 for Saturday's friendly against Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens with veteran prop Brok Harris picked as captain. 

With coach John Dobson's charges still engaged in a battle to secure a United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final and with the Springboks currently hosting an alignment camp in Cape Town, a number of the Stormers' first-choice players have not made the trip to England. 

Still, the 2021/22 URC champions will field a competitive side that does have significant star power. 

Warrick Gelant, for example, starts at fullback with Dan du Plessis at No 12. 

Stormers fans will also be thrilled to see new signing Wandisile Simelane picked at outside centre. 

In the pack, Keke Morable is at No 8 in a loose trio that also includes Junior Pokomela and Willie Engelbrecht.

??? Here is our 26-man squad for the friendly against @SaintsRugby at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday. ?? The game will be streamed live on SaintsTV Youtube channel.?? Full team announcement https://t.co/GKYpq3nWOY#NORvSTO #iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/OipiPiXcnH

The match, which kicks off at 16:30 (SA time), will see the Stormers face Northampton - who are currently top of the English Premiership - for the first time. 

"We have seen Northampton on top form this season in both the Gallagher Premiership and Investec Champions Cup, so this will be a great test for all 26 players involved on Saturday," Dobson said. 

"Franklin’s Gardens is a renowned rugby venue and we hope to play our part in what should be a highly entertaining friendly between two sides who both have a natural attacking instinct."

Stormers team: 

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Chris Hollis, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan du