Assistant coach Dawie Snyman has confirmed that centre Dan du Plessis will lead the DHL Stormers in their 2024-25 Vodacom URC opener against the Ospreys on Saturday.
Additionally, loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon will link up with the squad for their overseas tour after being released from the Springbok camp ahead of the Rugby Championship decider.
He is one of three Springboks released to their local franchises on Wednesday, and he is expected to play a key role in the Stormers’ three-week tour.
With the absence of former captain Steven Kitshoff due to a neck injury and Salmaan Moerat still on Bok duty, Du Plessis takes over the captaincy for the time being.
Speaking during a Stormers conference from Wales on Wednesday, Snyman explained the leadership dynamic, emphasising that the team operates with a leadership group rather than relying on one player.
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“Dan du Plessis will take the captaincy now when we’re on tour, and obviously when Salmaan [Moerat] and Steven [Kitshoff] are back, we’ll make the next decision in terms of who’s available,” Snyman told reporters.
“It’s not just around one person; we do have a leadership group, so we want our senior players to take responsibility in certain areas of the game. Once Salmaan and Steven are back in camp, it will probably depend on who’s selected and how we’re going to go forward from there.”
The absence of Kitshoff leaves the Stormers short at loosehead prop. Lizo Gqoboka is out with a long-term injury, and Ali Vermaak is also sidelined. However, Sti Sithole returns from injury, and Leon Lyons, back from a loan spell at Griquas, will add depth alongside the versatile Brok Harris, who can cover both sides of the scrum.
Reflecting on the challenges of the upcoming season, Snyman acknowledged the importance of starting well but remained realistic about the team’s readiness. “It’s important to start well, but it’s the start of the season, and we expect that one or two things won’t be perfect,” he said.
“Right now, it’s more about the excitement of starting to play, getting on the field, and seeing where we stand.”
Snyman also highlighted lessons learned from past European campaigns: “We’ve already learned from the times we came close to winning in Europe but fell short in conditions that didn’t necessarily suit us.”
Photo: Khulani Media
