Two play-off sides collide in what has all the makings of a classic United Rugby Championship match as the DHL Stormers host Munster Rugby in Cape Town. 

Currently sitting comfortably in second position on the combined log, the reigning champion Stormers will be all too aware of the threat posed by their Irish visitors. 

Munster, who arrive in Cape Town knowing anything short of a victory will put them under severe pressure in round 18. Currently residing in 5^th position on the table, Graham Rowntree’s side comes into the clash on the back of two heavy defeats that brought an end to their incredible run of nine victories from twelve outings. 

Now facing the very real prospect of not only missing out on the quarterfinals but also a place in next season’s Heineken Champions Cup. The Irish giants have picked as strong a team as possible for the clash in Cape Town. 

The one glaring omission from the Munster side is that of Irish international flyhalf Joey Carbery who misses out on a spot in the matchday-23. At the time of writing, no announcement has been made as to whether the 27-year-old is injured or simply not picked. 

In his place, Jack Crowley continues in the flyhalf position with Scottish international Ben Healy on the bench. Joining Crowley in the halfbacks is Conor Murray, who gets the nod ahead of Craig Casey. 

Elsewhere, long-time captain Peter O’Mahony will lead the side and links up with Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes to form a menacing-looking backrow. 

The hosts have named an equally impressive side as they look to get back on track following their heavy defeat away to Exeter in the Heineken Champions Cup quarterfinals. 

Star playmaking duo Damian Willemse and Manie Libbok continue at fullback and flyhalf, respectively. Whilst in the front row, it is an all-Springbok combination, with captain Steven Kitshoff being joined by Frans Malherbe and Joseph Dweba. 

In the backrow, the dynamic Hacjivah Dayimani starts at number eight, and his head-to-head with Coombes is a mouth-watering subplot for fans to follow. 

Speaking on the importance of this clash, Stormers head coach John Dobson said: 

“It is significant, we could also end up playing a South African team, but we are very keen on playing at home. There’s a larger reason for that, other than winning, and that’s our whole duty to make Cape Town smile and connect with the people. So us offering a home semi-final is important.” 

Shifting his focus to their visitors, Dobson said:  “Munster are desperate, they want to win this game to pretty much make sure they qualify for Europe. For a giant club like Munster, with their European traditions and history, it is very important. 

“Of course, they also still want to have a go at winning the URC and who you end up playing in those knockout stages is important. You can see they are desperate from their squad selection. It does up the ante.” 

DHL Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Seabelo Seabelo, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Willie Engelbrecht, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (C).

 Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ernst van Rhyn, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Clayton Blommetjies. 

Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Malakai Fekitoa, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman; Peter O’Mahony (C), Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes. 

Replacements: Scott Buckley, Josh Wycherley, Keynan Knox, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue, Craig Casey, Ben Healy, Keith Earls.