The Stormers are gearing up for a highly-anticipated clash against their coastal rivals, the Sharks, in the United Rugby Championship (URC) return leg derby at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. After securing a convincing win against the Lions last week, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson is eager to see his team continue their winning momentum and claim victory over the Sharks.
The Stormers have a strong track record against the Sharks, having won five of their last six encounters. While the Sharks emerged victorious in their previous meeting at home, they have struggled to secure a win at Cape Town Stadium since May 2021. With both teams eager to secure a crucial win, the stage is set for an intense battle on the field.
The Sharks are coming off a narrow victory against the Bulls, positioning them in fourth place on the overall table, while the Stormers currently sit in 13th place. However, the Stormers are second in the South African shield standings, just behind the Sharks. With a big crowd of over 40,000 spectators expected at the stadium, the atmosphere is sure to be electric as the two teams face off.
In preparation for the upcoming match, the Stormers have announced a strong squad, with fullback Warrick Gelant set to play his 50th game for the team. There are three changes to the matchday squad, with Seabelo Senatla stepping in for the injured Leolin Zas on the left wing. Tight forwards Andre-Hugo Venter and Ruben van Heerden have also been included among the replacements for the final game of the year.
Dobson emphasized the importance of building on last week’s win and ending the year on a high note. He highlighted the significance of playing at Cape Town Stadium and expressed confidence in his team’s ability to deliver a strong performance against a quality opponent like the Sharks.
The Stormers lineup for the match includes key players such as Herschel Jantjies, Marcel Theunissen, and Deon Fourie, who will lead the team as captain. With a focus on continuity in selection and improving on key areas of their game, the Stormers are poised to put up a tough fight against the Sharks.
As the anticipation builds for this highly-anticipated derby, rugby fans can expect an exciting and competitive match between two formidable teams. With both sides hungry for victory, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Cape Town Stadium.
