The loan player from the Currie Cup champions has been named in the starting XV for the top-of-the-table clash between the two first champions of the United Rugby Championship.

Maart, who joins the squad on loan, slots directly into the back three alongside the seasoned talents of Warrick Gelant and Leolin Zas, providing a dynamic aerial and attacking threat. The midfield sees the formidable partnership of Wandisile Simelane and Ruhan Nel combining to marshall the centres.

The halfback pairing sees Jurie Matthee and Stefan Ungerer, who himself is a former Griqua, taking the starting berths. Their control and tactical kicking will be vital against the notoriously challenging Munster defence. The backline cover is robust, with Dewaldt Duvenage and Clinton Swart poised to provide energy off the bench.

In the engine room, Salmaan Moerat takes the captaincy reins, partnering Connor Evans in the second row. The depth in this department is significant, with a powerful pair of Adré Smith and JD Schickerling earmarked for impact roles later in the game.

The front row welcomes the return from injury of tighthead Neethling Fouché, who packs down with hooker André-Hugo Venter and loosehead Vernon Matongo. Adding further weight and experience to the front row reserves is the inclusion of Oli Kebble, set to make his first Stormers appearance since 2017, alongside JJ Kotzé and Sazi Sandi.

Dylan Maart - Morgan Piek

The loose trio is formed by the dynamic Evan Roos, Marcel Theunissen, and Paul de Villiers. Ruan Ackermann completes the match-day 23, providing significant cover and impact potential among the loose forwards.

Coach John Dobson emphasised the importance of their preparation and the magnitude of the task at hand.

“We have had the benefit of good preparation at home, and we know it will take a big effort to win our first match at Thomond Park,” Dobson stated.

“We need to be on our game for the full 80 minutes against a good Munster side and hopefully we will be able to rise to the challenge to continue our winning start to the season.”

Dylan Maart - Morgan Piek

This dual-unbeaten clash represents a major test of the Stormers' early-season dominance and will be a crucial indicator of their championship pedigree as they face one of the toughest assignments in European rugby.

Saturday’s clash between Munster and the Stormers in Limerick kicks off at 19:30.

Munster - TBA

Stormers - 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Ruhan Nel, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo

Replacements - 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adré Smith, 20 JD Schickerling, 21 Ruan Ackermann, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Clinton Swart

Morgan Piek OFM Sport