Stormers target URC redemption against Sharks in return derby at Kings Park

Stormers head coach John Dobson will demand a massive response from his troops on Saturday when they head to Kings Park for the return coastal derby in the United Rugby Championship (URC) against the Sharks.

On Saturday, in front of over 52 000, the Cape side delivered their most disappointing home performance of the season yet, although there were some highlights, falling to a 30-19 loss against the Sharks. Their unbeaten run in the tournament came to an end, and they lost for the first time at home to the Sharks in the URC-era.

The Stormers now find themselves in second place on the URC log, handing the Glasgow Warriors the top-spot after failing to collect any points this past weekend in the Mother City.

While the sharp thinking of captain and flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu created two tries for inside centre Damian Willemse, and they produced some good attacking plays to create opportunities in the 22m area of the Sharks, their discipline and set-piece let them down massively.

Lost line-outs, two yellow cards, injuries and their rolling maul defence crumbling allowed the visitors to score four tries at the DHL Stadium.

Director of rugby John Dobson promised his side will be streets better this weekend. They will also have less pressure on them when playing away from home. Feinberg-Mngomezulu said they were well prepared for the onslaught of the Sharks, but things did not go their way entirely.

“We knew what we wanted to do,” the playmaker said.

“I just think the Sharks got the better of us. We were mentally prepared for the game. They were better in some situations, and instead of getting one-ups, they got five-ups, and we ended up burning ourselves.”

The Stormers might travel to Durban without key players.

Dobson said regular captain Salmaan Moerat, who was subbed minutes after he took the field when he copped a yellow card, suffered an injury to his toe. He said he hopes it is not turf toe. Regular outside centre Ruhan Nel is fit and available; however, the Stormers will look to keep him back until after the Six Nations break to give his calf injury more time to heal.

Meanwhile, the Stormers will welcome back bruisers Evan Roos and Adré Smith after they recovered from injuries. Roos and his big carries were missed against the Sharks.

“I’m not sure if we can throw Ruhan in with the break coming up, but he should be ready. Theoretically, he could play. Adré should definitely be back and Evan.”

Dobson was also apologetic to the crowd that came to support the team. While he said they were not swayed into playing ‘romantic rugby’ for them, they were desperate to get the win for their supporters.

Easily the best-supported URC team in terms of filling the stadiums, Dobson said it felt horrible that they did not produce.

“In terms of that, the result was disappointing.”