{
  "id": 14188884,
  "title": "Evan Roos set for first Stormers start of season against Bristol Bears",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/evan-roos-set-for-first-stormers-start-of-season-against-bristol-bears",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T11:06:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/roos-first-stormers-start-v-bristol/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Stormers will unveil their full starting lineup for their Champions Cup opener against Bristol Bears at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, with Evan Roos set to make his season debut. Roos' return from a hamstring injury is particularly significant, as Hacjivah Dayimani is sidelined due to concussion. The only other alterations to the team that defeated the Sharks last weekend involve an all-new front row, comprising Vernon Matongo, JJ Kotzé, and Sazi Sandi. The starting backline remains unchanged, with Warrick Gelant among the replacements. Captain Ruhan Nel leads the new front row, while Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu continue to shape the team's direction. Director of Rugby John Dobson emphasized the importance of securing points early in the competition, stating that last season's realization of the value of home matches in the pool phase. The team is eager to replicate last week's electrifying atmosphere against a formidable Bristol side, who displayed their prowess on South African soil last season.",
  "summary": "The Stormers have made minimal changes to their match 23 for their Champions Cup opener against English Premiership side Bristol Bears.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}