RECAP: Stormers v Sharks
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 18 clash between the Stormers and Sharks at Newlands.
Read all our Super Rugby previews for the weekend here.
* LATE CHANGE: Tendai Mtawarira is a late withdrawal. Mzamo Majola is starting!
It is not exactly High Noon at the OK Corral, but the Stormers and Sharks are in a straight ‘shootout’ at Newlands.
The scenario is simple: The winner advances to the play-offs and the loser will watch from the sidelines.
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said that his team is looking forward to what should be a classic South African derby.
“We have performed well at home this season and this is another opportunity for us to use that to our advantage,” Fleck said.
“The key in a match like this will be to remain composed and accurate while operating at high intensity.
Recent results:
2019: Stormers won 16-11, Durban
2018: Stormers won 27-16, Cape Town
2018: Sharks won 24-17, Durban
2017: Sharks won 22-10, Durban
2016: Sharks won 18-13, Cape Town
Prediction: The Stormers have won their last two games on the bounce against the Sharks in Super Rugby; the last time they won more was a three-game streak against them across the 2011 and 2012 campaigns. The Stormers have lost only one of their last eight games played at home in Super Rugby, and are undefeated in their last four. The Sharks picked up a 42-5 win over the Lions in their last South African derby away from home in Super Rugby, snapping a seven-game losing run in such fixtures. The Stormers have scored only 14 first-half tries thus far in Super Rugby 2019, fewer than any other team in the competition. The Sharks’ Andre Esterhuizen has scored a try in two of his last three games away from home after having not crossed in any of his 33 away games prior.
Prediction: Stormers
Margin: Three points
RECAP: Stormers v Sharks
Kick-off: 15.05 (local time); 13.05 GMT.
Teams:
Stormers: 15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Johannes Engelbrecht, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Josh Stander, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Jaco Coetzee, 7 Johan du Toit, 6 Ernst van Rhyn, 5 Chris van Zyl, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 David Meihuizen, 20 Chris Massyn, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 23 Dan Kriel.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Mzamo Majola.
Replacements: 16 Cullen Collopy, 17 John-Hubert Meyer, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Luke Stringer, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Rhyno Smith.
Referee: AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Divan Uys (South Africa)
TMO: Willie Vos (South Africa)
