Stormers brace for a fierce URC coastal derby against a wounded Sharks side

The Sharks are desperate — and that makes them dangerous.

John Dobson and his Stormers are under no illusions about what awaits them on Saturday evening at the DHL Stadium (7.30pm kick-off), where they host the Durban outfit in the first of back-to-back coastal derbies in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

The Stormers have welcomed back three pivotal Springboks in Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse and Warrick Gelant, but have lost another in eighthman Evan Roos through injury. His absence will be felt, particularly on defence. However, the return of the three backs and their attacking flair should make up for it when the Stormers have the ball in hand.

Despite the Sharks’ struggles, Dobson warned that teams often find an extra gear in a local derby, especially against the Stormers. That is why they will not underestimate the visitors, even if they are languishing near the bottom of the URC table.

The match will be decided in front of a sold-out crowd, with the Stormers confirming on Saturday that there are no general access tickets left.

“Evan has a hip-pointer injury, and he is a bit sore from last weekend,” Dobson explained the absence of his star eighthman.

“With that injury, if you get a knock on it, it is extremely painful. So our whole plan for the Sharks will be disrupted if he is injured in minute six of the clash. It can happen anyway, but this is controllable. The consequence could be that he is out for a lot longer, and we have another big game next weekend. If it were a final, he could’ve played.

“We are keen to give Louw Nel a run. It just didn’t make sense to risk Evan.”

Dobson is chuffed to have the likes of Willemse, Gelant and Reinach back for the massive clash as they look to remain unbeaten against the Sharks in Cape Town in the URC. The Stormers’ attack hasn’t been firing like they want it to, but Dobson is hopeful the return of the experienced Springboks will sharpen them.

They’ve been guilty of squandering chances on the attack, especially in the 22m area, but are quite aware that every opportunity that presents itself on Saturday will be crucial. And judging from previous derbies, the opportunity for points could be limited.

“The backs have been a challenge with the injury roster, especially in the centres. However, this is a very highly capped backline; it is just that they haven’t played together too often recently. But their training memory is perfect.

“Our bench has become a narrative, and there is clearly a plan to counter that, looking at the Sharks. In our experience, the bench is not always the solution to everything. They have been through some tough times, and I suppose it hasn’t been an ideal season for them, looking at where they are on the log.

“However, local derbies bring out something else in teams. They are desperate, and that makes them dangerous. They’ve built up some confidence over the last couple of games.”

The Stormers identified the scrum of the Sharks as a danger point, even though Bok powerhouse Ox Nché is playing off the bench. The home side will also keep a keen eye on Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, the halfbacks of the visitors, and fullback Aphlele Fassi.

According to Dobson, the loss of Roos is massive for them, but he has faith in replacement Marcel Theunissen.

The versatile loose forward, often seen in the No 6 jersey, will get the opportunity to play his favourite role of linking with the backline. But, he is also looking to do the hard yards on defence, and he is a handy lineout jumper, especially on the opposition throw.

Regular skipper Salmaan Moerat will make his return from the bench, with flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu keeping the captaincy. Dobson opted for a six-two split amongst the replacements.

Stormers XV

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Connor Evans, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Ruben van Heerden, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurie Matthee.

Sharks XV

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe/PK Sobahle, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.