Rohan Nel warns of Ulster's danger as Stormers aim to strengthen weak defense

Two-time World Cup winner, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, is preparing for his long-awaited return to the Stormers bench in the upcoming United Rugby Championship match against Ulster, which will take place on Saturday at the DHL Stadium.

Mbonambi's substitution is part of 10 changes to the squad and one tactical substitution made by rugby director John Dobson. The Cape Town team aims to secure its fourth consecutive home victory before the four-week break in the competition.

The 35-year-old front-row veteran, recently returned to the Stormers from the Sharks, provides crucial support to the front row, which is weakened by Andre-Hugo Venter's injury and J.J. Kotze's suspension.

Young player Vernon Paulo will start the game at hooker alongside Vilko Lou and Ntutuko Mchunu, while Mbonambi, Vernon Matongo, and Nitling Fushe are ready to make an impact in the second half.

Centre Ruhan Nel returns to the captaincy, playing in the midfield with Jonathan Ross, who has successfully passed concussion protocols. Damian Willemse moves to fullback, replacing Warrick Gelant, who is under observation for Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols, alongside Hajiva Daimani and Lukahanyo Vokozela.

Kobus Reinach and young talent Yakin Ahmed start in the halves following an impressive performance in the last victory over Scarlets. Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu rests, and Hashim Pead will feature as a substitute scrum-half.

D. J. Schickering and Adre Smith start in the second row, while Evan Roos moves to number 8 to allow Lou Nel to start on the blind side wing alongside Paul de Villiers.

Dobson noted: 'There are many changes, but every player, except the very experienced Bongi Mbonambi, has already played an important role for us this season.' He added that 'it will require great effort to finish this phase of the season with a fourth consecutive home win, and everyone is determined to give our fans another victory at the DHL Stadium. After this match, we go into a four-week break, so you can expect them to give everything on the field on Saturday.'

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The service cautions that heavy downpours, destructive winds, hail, and lightning may trigger localized flooding and damage infrastructure.

The warning applies to several municipal areas, including district, local, and metropolitan municipalities in the central and eastern parts of the province. Listed locations include eThekwini, Big Five Hlabisa, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Mkhambathini, Impendle, Ingwe, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Mpofana, Ndwedwe, Nkandla, Nquthu, Richmond, Mfolozi, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Umdoni, Umlalazi, Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Ulundi, uMhlathuze, uMngeni, uMshwathi, uMvoti, and uMzumbe.

SAWS reported that strong thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, and lightning are expected in the central and eastern parts of KZN, which will lead to localized flooding and damage to settlements and infrastructure.

The meteorological agency warned that storms are capable of damaging residential buildings and infrastructure facilities, causing roads and bridges to flood, and creating dangerous driving conditions. Furthermore, slippery roads and poor visibility may increase the likelihood of traffic accidents, while hail can cause property damage.

Drivers are strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid traveling over bridges and roads in low-lying areas prone to flooding. SAWS also warned of possible funnel cloud formation.

Residents are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, as lightning, hail, and flooding can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. If possible, people should remain inside, away from windows, shelter pets, and move vehicles and livestock to safe, protected areas to guard against hail and flying debris.

Overall, KwaZulu-Natal is expected to have cloudy conditions and morning fog in the south and far western inland region, while other areas will experience variable cloudiness and warmth. Isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the northern and far western regions.

There is a 30% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms in some inland areas, including regions near Free State, North West, the eastern inland region, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. However, precipitation is expected to be localized, meaning some areas may remain dry despite nearby cloud cover.

The Kaiser Chiefs team faced the need to overcome a deficit after a 1-0 defeat to Red Arrows from Zambia in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, which took place on Saturday.

The visitors conceded a goal in the 76th minute of the match at Levi Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, meaning they will have to work on themselves in the return match if they want to advance to the group stage.

Chiefs, who qualified through walkover in the first preliminary round, hoped to start their continental campaign positively. Instead, they return to South Africa needing a win after failing to hold off the hosts in the final minutes of the game.

This loss also compounds a difficult week for the Soweto giants, who drew 1-1 with Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership mid-week.

On the trip to Zambia, Chiefs made only one substitution: Luke Bartman replaced Vandile Dubu in attack. Due to a shortage of injured midfielders, Riv Froesler played again in the center of the field alongside Sibongiseni Mtethwa, as the visiting team sought to demonstrate disciplined play away from home.

Although Chiefs seemed to hold Red Arrows for most of the match, their inability to deal with a corner kick came at a high cost. The hosts capitalized on the corner kick in the 76th minute to open the scoring and gain a slight advantage before the return match.

For Chiefs, the late conceded goal will be particularly frustrating, given the importance of maintaining balance in this confrontation before the second leg. Now Amakhosi must quickly regroup and find a way to break down the Red Arrows' defense when the teams meet again at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, October 23rd.

Since a spot in the Confederation group stage is at stake, Chiefs will require more decisive play in front of goal, as well as an improvement in their defensive organization. The 1-0 scoreline keeps the contest open, but now the pressure is entirely on the Soweto side to succeed at home.