The coastal rivalry heats up as the DHL Stormers host the Hollywoodbets Sharks for a high-stakes match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, December 30. With kick-off set for 17:00 local time, anticipation is running high among fans, with over 43,000 tickets already sold. This pivotal encounter marks the final United Rugby Championship match of the year for both teams, each striving to secure their positions heading toward 2024.
The Stormers, currently positioned 13th on the URC log, face their own pressure to perform as they look to turn their season around. With just three wins from their six matches to date, success against the Sharks is imperative to maintain playoff aspirations. “This game is effectively a knockout for us,” Stormers coach John Dobson stated. “We’ve got the chance to end the year on a high and set ourselves up as proper challengers in this competition.”
On the other hand, the Sharks come to Cape Town with the confidence of having secured their first URC victory over the Stormers just weeks prior, winning 21-15 at Kings Park. Under the guidance of coach John Plumtree, the Sharks hold fifth place on the overall standings, seeking to build on their momentum and fend off close competition from teams like Munster, the Lions, and Scarlets, all within reach of disrupting their standing.
The Stormers will benefit from the home field advantage, having not lost to the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium since May 2021. “It makes such a difference playing at Cape Town Stadium and this weekend we have got a huge crowd turning up, which should make for quite an occasion,” Dobson noted, underlining the importance of their home ground as a fortress.
Both coaches have expressed their respect for each other's teams. Dobson acknowledged the Sharks are favorites due to their strong lineup featuring several Springbok players. “They boast more Springbok players, and it’s clear they are strong competition,” he said. Conversely, Plumtree recognized the Stormers’ formidable home record but pointed to his team’s positive momentum from recent victories. “Going down to Cape Town and beating the Stormers isn’t an easy task, but we’re looking forward to it,” he affirmed.
For the Stormers, the anticipation builds as they prepare for the match with minimal changes to their lineup after their victory over the Lions. Seabelo Senatla replaces the injured Leolin Zas on the wing, and forwards Andre-Hugo Venter and Ruben van Heerden are added to the bench. Senior players including captain Deon Fourie and the solid forward pack are expected to lead the charge as they aim to disrupt the Sharks’ plans.
Meanwhile, the Sharks will see the return of key figures including captain Siya Kolisi, who missed prior matches due to injury. Kolisi is poised to make his mark against his former team and inspire his side to replicate their home victories on the road. “For us, this week was about getting a few bodies back for this match,” said Plumtree, referring to the squad's increasing depth and readiness following recent challenges. “Both teams play a pretty expansive game, so it will be exciting to watch,” the Sharks coach added.
Duelling strikers will be pivotal during this match, as the playbook might see both teams utilizing open play to gain advantage. The Stormers have been criticized for costly errors and will need to sharpen their finishing to seize the initiative early. With strong forward units, particularly from the Sharks’ Kolisi and the Stormers’ Frans Malherbe, battle lines are drawn at the set pieces and breakdowns.
The stakes are high not just for league standings but also for the pride associated with this storied rivalry. With both teams eager to establish dominance and weather the fierce atmosphere expected at DHL Stadium, it promises to be more than just another match – it’s fittingly described by Dobson as “the first of two games absolutely fundamental to get our URC back on track.” The pressures of the match transform it not only to decisive league contest but also to one about mental fortitude and team spirit.
The Sharks enter the fray as fifth on the log, one eye on their upcoming Champions Cup fixture against Toulouse, their January clash adding to the urgency of maintaining form. A win for the Stormers would vastly improve their record to 4-4, creating momentum for what lies next, whilst reinforcing the Sharks’ strength would reveal their capacity to challenge at the highest level.
With the players set and the atmosphere electrifying, spectators can expect this coastal derby to deliver thrills as the Sharks and Stormers clash for pride and precious points. Who will ascend the ranks? The time is nigh for both teams as they look to seize victory on the shores of Cape Town.
