READY TO ROLL: Former Sharks player Bongi Mbonambi will feature for the Stormers against Ulster on Saturday

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DOUBLE World Cup-winning Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi is set to make his highly-anticipated Stormers return from the replacements bench in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster at Cape Town Stadium.

Mbonambi’s inclusion on the bench headlines 10 personnel changes and one positional switch made by coach John Dobson, as the Kapenaars target a fourth consecutive home win before an upcoming four-week break.

The 35-year-old veteran front-rower, who recently rejoined the Stormers from the Sharks, provides crucial reinforcement to a front row depleted by Andre-Hugo Venter’s injury and JJ Kotze’s suspension.

Youngster Vernon Paulo earns a start at hooker alongside Wilco Louw and Ntuthuko Mchunu, with Mbonambi, Vernon Matongo and Neethling Fouche poised to provide second-half impact.

Outside centre Ruhan Nel returns to captain the span, pairing in midfield with Jonathan Roche, who has successfully cleared concussion protocols.

Damian Willemse shifts to fullback to replace Warrick Gelant, who is sidelined under head injury assessment (HIA) protocols alongside Hacjivah Dayimani and Lukhanyo Vokozela.

In the halfbacks, Cobus Reinach and young yster Yaqeen Ahmed earn starting berths after their impressive closing spell in last weekend’s victory over Scarlets, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu rested and Haashim Pead providing scrumhalf cover on the bench.

In the pack, JD Schickerling and Adre Smith start in the second row, while Evan Roos shifts to No.8 to allow Louw Nel to start at blindside flank alongside Paul de Villiers.

CHANGES: John Dobson

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Dobson wysed: “There are many changes, but every player coming in bar the vastly experienced Bongi Mbonambi has already played an important role for us this season.

“It will take a big effort to end this phase of the season with a fourth straight win at home and everyone is determined to give our fans another win at Cape Town Stadium.

“After this match we go into a four-week break, so you can expect to see them [the players] leave it all out there on Saturday.”

Stormers team

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Riley Norton, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Wandisile Simelane.