This weekend’s sole United Rugby Championship contest is a postponed South African derby between the Sharks and Stormers.
The Sharks are looking to solidify their position in the top eight, while the Stormers will be anxious to rebound after a humiliating loss to Ulster on the road.
Sharks exhibit DoR Neil Powell stated that for his team to achieve consistency, the derby factor must be minimized.
Powell told Rugby365 that the necessity of the players’ effort and understanding of their roles and responsibilities is paramount to him.
“It may be an important game [in terms of the race for the playoffs], but for us, it’s just another game.
It is all about our standards and what we want to accomplish on the field for us.
John Dobson, head coach of the Stormers, stated that the returning players are eager to make their mark in the coastal match.
The guys we rested last week have all played significant roles in this week’s preparations, which is really encouraging.
“Any South African derby away from home is a difficult task, so we must be as sharp as ever,” he remarked.
Jake White discusses his near-death experience.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi. 14 Marnus Potgieter. 13 Ben Tapuai. 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg. 11 Thaakir Abrahams. 10 Curwin Bosch. The number nine Cameron Wright. 8 Phendulani Buthelezi (captain). 7 Henco Venter. 6 James Venter. 5 Gerbrandt Grobler. 4 Hyron Andrews. 3 Carlu Sadie. 2 Kerron van Vuuren. 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
16 Dan Jooste, 7 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Lionel Cronje, and 23 Yaw Penxe serve as replacements.
Stormers: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, Eight Marcel Theunissen, seven Junior Pokomela, six Deon Fourie (captain), five Gary Porter, four Ruben van Heerden, three Neethling Fouche, two Joseph Dweba, and one Brok Harris make up the starting lineup.
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Keke Morabe, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Saturday, February 4, 2019
Start time: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Jaco Peyper is the arbitrator.
Marius van der Westhuizen and Griffin Colby serve as assistant referees.
TMO: Marius Jonker
»URC result: Stormers teach the Sharks a lesson in rugby«