The Stormers will have a practice match against the Pumas today in their only real warm-up before the start of the United Rugby Championship (URC) next weekend.
Veteran Ruhan Nel will mark his return after a long injury layoff as they prepare for the URC opener against the Ospreys in Wales towards the end of the month. But there will be no return for utility back and Bok stalwart Damian Willemse, who will be spared for the first competitive game.
The Cape side and inaugural URC champions were supposed to open their season against the Bulls, but the final of the Currie Cup this Saturday forced the postponement of the clash to early next year.
Nel is itching to get back on the field after nine months on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury. He has had time to prepare mentally for another tough season and switch off a bit from rugby, and to regenerate his batteries with his family. It also gave him the chance to experience rugby from the coachs box.
But he is ready to don the Stormers jersey again and lead the side defensively.
