The DHL Stormers XXIII will face the Toyota Cheetahs today, Sunday, 9 August 2026, in a pivotal Round 4 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division clash at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town at 15:00 SAST.
DHL Stormers XXIII: Head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb's side enters this match with high confidence after a stellar 36-28 victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks last weekend. They are looking to preserve their flawless recent home record.
Toyota Cheetahs: Coach Frans Steyn's men are looking to bounce back immediately following a narrow
Experienced flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis returns from injury to captain the squad, marking the sole change to the backline. The forwards see three adjustments, including Mhleli Khuzwayo starting at loosehead prop, with Xola Nyali and Divan Fuller drafted into the loose trio.
At the Toyota Cheetahs, the major news is the return of veteran Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk to the starting XV. In other changes, Marko Janse van Rensburg starts at hooker, Michael Annies fills the right wing, and Clayton Blommetjies slots in at fullback to replace the injured Henry Immelman.
The return of world-class Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk gives the Cheetahs a massive tactical advantage in game management, kicking, and defensive pressure, while playing at Athlone Stadium gives the Stormers a distinct atmospheric advantage. They are currently protecting a strong home streak.
However, ultimately the battle between Jean-Luc du Plessis and Faf de Klerk will dictate the tempo. Whichever playmaker manages the tricky Cape afternoon wind better will put their team in the driving seat.
The Toyota Cheetahs are predicted to win a highly competitive match, likely by a narrow margin of 3 to 7 points.
Teams:
DHL Stormers XXIII: 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Josh Boulle, 11 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis (captain), 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Divan Fuller, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Xola Nyali, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo. Replacements: 16 Altus Rabe, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Luan Botha, 21 Ezekiel Ngobeni, 22 Kyle Smith, 23 Gino Cupido.
Toyota Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Juan Venter, 6 Ramon Uys, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Simon Miller, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tebogo Nkosi. Replacements: 16 Juan Smal, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Sisonke Vumazonke, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Jooste Nel.