Investec Stormers head to Dubai

The squad is as follows:

Adri Badenhorst
Andries Bekker
Alten Hulme
Breyton Paulse
De Wet Barry
Eddie Andrews
Egon Seconds
Faan Rautenbach
Gaffie Du Toit
Gerrie Britz
Gus Theron
Hanyani Shimange
JD Moller
Joe Van Niekerk
Luke Watson
Marius Joubert
Neil De Kock
Pieter Dixon
Quinton Davids
Schalk Burger
Tertius Carse
Tiger Mangweni
Tonderai Chavhanga
Werner Greeff

The following players were not considered due to injury:

Jean De Villiers (hamstring)
Chris Rossouw (hamstring)
Bolla Conradie (hand)
Ross Skeate (shoulder)
Riaan Olckers (back)

The game will be the Investec Stormers second preparation match of the season before kicking off their Vodacom Super 12 campaign in Cape Town on 25 February against the Sharks.

The Investec Stormers beat a Boland Invitation team 43-15 on 28 January in Wellington in the first of their 3 preparation games.

“The Vodacom Super 12 is an incredibly demanding competition and you need to hit the ground running, as such it is crucial for us to play good sides at the top of their game”, said Investec Stormers coach Gert Smal. “ The Gwent Dragons are a respected top side and will afford us a measure of where we are at in terms of our preparation. Percy Montgomery and Andy Marinos have both been part of the Stormers set up and their involvement and reputations will add spice to the encounter.”

“Furthermore, Dubai remains a perfect venue for this fixture, offering climatic conditions directly comparable to those in which we will compete the Vodacom Super 12 competition. The competition also offers us great exposure for our brand, both in Dubai and through the massive TV audience for the fixture.”

The Investec Stormers team leaves for Dubai on Tuesday 1 February and returns on Sunday 6 February. The match is scheduled to be played on Friday 4 February at 20h15 (+ 2hrs – SA time) and will be televised on SS1/CSN.