Stormers boss John Dobson concerned about squad depth in two positions

The Cape Town franchise released their 56-man squad for the upcoming United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup season last week.

The top line is that they have made several beefy signings. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi returns down south, as does the fleet-footed Cheslin Kolbe and scrum boss Wilco Louw.

Importantly, the Stormers have held onto playmakers Sacha Feinberg-Mnogomezulu and Damian Willemse, unearthed the outrageously talented Yaqeen Ahmed and nursed ageless veteran Deon Fourie back to full health.

But lock is somewhat of a concern, as just five players were named: JD Schickerling, Adre Smith, Connor Evans, Gary Porter and the uncapped Riley Norton.

"I think it's our best squad we've put out in terms of quality of players," Dobson told the press.

"But I don't think it's the best in terms of spread. Losing two Springbok locks, who were under contract when we released them, is a challenge for us. For us to really compete in both competitions very deep, we probably need a very healthy lock roster.

"We didn't want to get a journeyman in when we've got a guy like Gary who puts in everything or Thomas Barnard who is a promising player. We couldn't find a difference maker to replace that, so we are vulnerable there.

"I think it can be offset by what the Springboks did, if we train up BJ Dixon properly at four, and that changes the whole picture quite dramatically."

There is also concern on the wing. Kolbe, together with Leolin Zas and Seabelo Senatla, are the experienced trio. But JC Mars, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Joel Leotlela and Gino Cupido have just four caps between them.

"We've over-relied on Zas - he played more games than anybody in the URC last year," Dobson continued.

"Seabelo Senatla was largely injured, and we had to borrow Dylan Maart from the Griquas. Cheslin is our sort of big signing there, and we're very chuffed with Mfundo from the Currie Cup."

The much-touted Project 2029 is still on track for Dobson, but there could be some growing pains in the upcoming season.