Stormers And Sharks Set For High-Stakes Coastal Derby In Cape ...

The DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks renew their rivalry on Saturday in a pivotal United Rugby Championship Round 9 clash at DHL Stadium (KO 5 p.m. local). Both teams have much at stake as they aim to solidify their positions in the league and build momentum heading into 2024.  

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The Sharks broke new ground in their last encounter with the Stormers, claiming their first-ever URC victory over their coastal rivals with a six-point win in Durban. Despite the triumph, the match underscored the challenge of defeating the Stormers. A late Stormers surge nearly stole the win, with Manie Libbok seemingly scoring a match-winning try, only for it to be disallowed due to a knock-on in the build-up.   

Under head coach John Plumtree, the Sharks have turned Kings Park into a fortress, recording four consecutive home wins, including victories over three former URC champions. However, the Sharks now face a different challenge: proving they can replicate that form away from Durban.  

DHL Stadium has been a stronghold for the Stormers, who last lost a home match in December 2021. For the Sharks, Saturday’s derby is a litmus test of their title credentials and ability to compete under pressure in hostile environments.  

“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” said Plumtree. “Beating the Stormers in Cape Town is no easy task, but with confidence from recent wins and key players returning, we believe we can deliver.”  

Stormers Eye Top-Eight Spot   

The Stormers, fresh off a derby win against the Emirates Lions, aim to stabilize their campaign. Sitting outside the top eight, they know a victory will lift them into playoff contention, while a loss risks leaving them languishing near the bottom.   

“This game is effectively a knockout for us,” said Stormers coach John Dobson. “We’ve got a chance to end the year on a high and set ourselves up as proper challengers in this competition. Playing at DHL Stadium with a massive crowd makes a big difference.”   

Dobson has made minimal changes to his side to ensure continuity, with Seabelo Senatla replacing the injured Leolin Zas on the wing and forwards Andre-Hugo Venter and Ruben van Heerden added to the bench.  

Key Matchups  

The Sharks have bolstered their side with the return of Springbok stars Siya Kolisi and Dylan Richardson, adding weight to an already formidable pack. The Stormers, meanwhile, boast a strengthened forward unit, including Frans Malherbe, Deon Fourie, and Salmaan Moerat, and expect Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to recover in time to slot into the midfield.  

The Cape Town side will need to improve their finishing and reduce errors, factors that cost them in their last meeting with the Sharks. While the Sharks have developed a knack for grinding out wins, their ability to dominate away from home remains unproven.   

A win for the Stormers would improve their record to 4-4 and provide crucial momentum ahead of a daunting January clash with Leinster. Conversely, defeat would leave them with just three wins in eight matches and a steep climb to playoff contention.  

The Sharks, already in a strong position, have less to lose but will aim to maintain their winning streak and test their squad depth ahead of a crucial Champions Cup fixture against Toulouse in January.  

Prediction

While the Stormers’ home advantage and recent form give them an edge, the Sharks’ returning stars and growing confidence make this a true 50-50 contest. Expect a fiercely competitive clash with the Stormers narrowly favoured to avenge their Durban defeat. Stormers by 5.

Line-Ups:

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies; 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (captain); 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat; 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak. 

Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Jean-Luc du Plessis. 

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Andre Esterhuizen, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi; 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Emile van Heerden; 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche. 

Replacements: 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nicholas Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter.  

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