The Stormers are set to confront the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 5 PM, against the backdrop of their recent struggles. After suffering seven consecutive defeats to their northern rivals, the Stormers are desperate to break the curse, especially as playoff dreams slip away with each match.
Head coach Jake White of the Bulls acknowledges the challenge posed by the Stormers, emphasizing, "One thing the Stormers have done consistently against us is they have managed to find ways to either win the game or get it back on track after we’ve been up against them." This sentiment reflects the intensity of the rivalry and the unpredictable nature of derby matches.
Currently, the Bulls occupy third place on the United Rugby Championship (URC) standings, bolstered by eight victories. Their recent triumph over the Lions with a score of 31-19 has provided momentum, but they are all too aware of the unpredictable threat the Stormers can pose. Conversely, the Stormers find themselves languishing at tenth, having secured only four wins from eleven matches this season, and they are now facing the pressure to deliver positive results if they wish to have any hope of playoff contention.
Stormers head coach John Dobson commented on the struggles of his team following their defeat against the Bulls at home last month: "Going backwards in the scrum takes a lot out of your morale and energy. It was our poorest performance, and we are a good scrummaging team." The previous encounter made it clear the Stormers need to tighten their game, particularly at set pieces, where they have historically excelled.
To address these issues, the Stormers have made significant changes to their lineup, bringing back tightheads Neethling Fouché and Ali Vermaak to strengthen their scrum. Dobson pointed out, "Yes, we could probably say the missed conversion lost us the game, but a lot of damage was done in the scrums. That has been a huge focus point." It's an added pressure for the Stormers, who have won only once on the road this campaign, underscoring their urgency to secure consecutive wins away from Cape Town if they are to vie for the top eight spots.
On the other side, White has indicated his confidence going forward, asserting, "We want to play at home in the playoffs, and this game isn’t any different to last week’s Lions game or the Sharks before. I’m really not feeling like the world is on my shoulders." This perspective allows the Bulls to approach the match with the mindset of maintaining their current standing and leveraging their home field advantage.
Both teams will also contend with the weather, as rain is forecasted in Pretoria, which could potentially level the playing field. White remarked on his strategy, saying, "I just wanted fresh legs. Mpilo hurt his toe last week, so I wanted to give Nizaam [Carr] a bit of a start... A heavy pack at the end might help us." This strategic thinking reflects how both coaches are not just preparing their teams physically but are also anticipating external factors influencing the game.
For the Bulls, their pack has been performing strongly, dominating scrums, propelled by the likes of Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw, giving them confidence going forward. Captain Reinhardt Ludwig and his dynamic back row, including Cobus Wiese and JF van Heerden, add to their ambitions. White is hoping for Carr to make his mark against the Stormers, spurred on by the desire to prove himself after leaving Wasps last season.
Meanwhile, Dobson remains cautiously optimistic. "We have some unwanted records this season," he acknowledged, referencing their losses to both the Sharks and the Bulls at their own ground for the first time. The Stormers need to rectify these past performances, with the looming challenge of winning away matches threatening their playoff aspirations.
Despite their current position, the Stormers have recognized these matches as potential turning points, with Dobson adding, "A morale-boosting victory over the Bulls could be the spark to get us back on winning ways on the road." The goal is to remain competitive with the eighth-placed Scarlets, as every point counts as the season progresses.
The rivalry between these two teams has always been electrifying, promising excitement as fans anticipate the outcome of this important fixture. Will the Bulls continue their dominance, or will the Stormers reclaim their pride and secure the much-needed victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the passion and intensity of South African rugby will be on full display this weekend.