As the United Rugby Championship season reaches a critical juncture, the Stormers find themselves in a precarious position.
A crucial clash awaits them tomorrow in Durban, where they will attempt to restore some pride against their coastal rivals, the Sharks, at Kings Park (5pm start).
Proper firepower for the Sharks this weekend 👊
— Ashfak Mohamed (@ashfakmohamed) November 28, 2024
Serious test for the Stormers at Kings Park #SHAvSTO #URC #Rugby https://t.co/RY1kkrFc5h
The Cape side are enjoying an unbeaten record against the Sharks in this tournament, but with three losses already marring their campaign, they now sit in the unfamiliar territory of 13th place on the log.
To compound their challenges, the Stormers will enter the match short-handed, missing several key Springbok players due to injuries.
Notably absent will be prop stalwarts Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff, both essential for neutralising the Sharks’ formidable scrum.
Also missing from the backline is the experienced Damian Willemse, a double World Cup winner, leaving the Cape side with a significant gap to fill against a Sharks group eager to break their losing streak against their visitors.
In contrast, the hosts are game-ready, buoyed by the inclusion of key Springbok stars.
Very tough assignment for an out of sorts Stormers team!!! Does the Sharks know this is a Club game and not an International game? 🤣 https://t.co/qPWXyjXL1G
— Rágnár Ván Töndérsön (@Slipcatch) November 28, 2024
Captain Siya Kolisi leads a strong line-up that features props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, centres André Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am, wing Makazole Mapimpi and fullback Aphelele Fassi.
Although the Sharks have struggled in recent encounters with the Stormers, they are now the clear favourites to break their drought in the Shark Tank.
Coach John Dobson’s team, however, are a desperate side in need of a win – not only to salvage their URC ambitions, but also to build momentum before a demanding December schedule that includes two Champions Cup matches.
They are set to host the former champions Toulon in Gqeberha next weekend, and then travel to England to face Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop.
If they falter against the Sharks tomorrow, the likelihood of finding momentum against such prestigious opponents becomes improbable.
The Sharks mean business against the Stormers. More than 10 Springboks in the match-day 23 for their #URC coastal derby on Saturday. The Durban side still winless against the former champions in the competition. That could change this weekend
Upon their return from London, the Lions and Sharks will wait on them, ready to feast over the Christmas time in two more local derbies.
If the Stormers fail to gain any momentum in the Champions Cup, they will have a tough time against their countrymen at the Cape Town Stadium in late December.
The tension within the Stormers’ camp is palpable, especially considering the stakes against the Sharks.
The players must confront their URC fortunes head-on tomorrow, and Dobson will hope that Boks such as Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu can spark a revival in Durban – but they would need the forwards to keep the powerful Sharks pack at bay.
The nerves can be a double-edged sword – either igniting the fire they need to secure a vital victory, or ushering in a crushing sixth defeat that would keep them at the bottom end of the standings.
Desperation will drive them. But if they do not couple that desperation with accuracy, they will come off second best and lose their unbeaten streak against the Sharks.