Facing Sale’s ‘SA flavour’ excites Stormers centre Nel

Leighton Koopman

They know it’s make-or-break in the final home game of their Champions Cup group-stage campaign, but the Stormers believe the momentum picked up over the festive-season clashes will assist them in picking up a first win in the European tournament.

After dispatching the Lions and Sharks in United Rugby Championship derbies in December, the Cape outfit are keen to carry that winning momentum into Saturday’s do-or-die encounter with English Premiership side Sale Sharks (3pm start) at the Cape Town Stadium.

It will be their first Champions Cup match in Cape Town for this campaign, and arguably one of the most important matches of their season.

After ending 2024 on a winning note, their aim will be to continue with that confidence boost as they kick off the new year.

Stormers centre Ruhan Nel said this week that they know that, after losing the first two matches, the pressure is on them to win both the remaining fixtures if they want to make it to the play-offs. “The focus is to build on the momentum of those two local derbies we played, and Sale Sharks will bring that bit of South African flavour,” Nel said.

He is of course referring to a couple of his compatriots, former teammates Robert du Preez and Ernst van Rhyn, and Du Preez’s twin brothers Jean-Luc and Dan, who are all playing for Sale.

“We are looking forward to facing them and playing a physical game. And yes, this might sound a bit cliché, but we will focus on us and what we want to do. We want to improve weekly.

“In 2013, Rob won the Currie Cup with us at Western Province, so we know a little about him.

“He is a very talented player and runs hard (at the defence), he's got some good footwork and passing skills. Playing at 13 and having a good kicking boot will bring a different dynamic off the scrums and lineouts.

“It is interesting that they’ve been selecting him at 13 when he went over (to England)... I would’ve never guessed he’d play there.

“But, I am happy for him, and he is doing well. It will be a good clash against him.”

It’s not just the locals that the Stormers will have to contend with.

Last time out, in a 31-24 victory over the English club, the Cape outfit faced a weakened side. The expectancy is that Sale will bring their best squad to SA as they look to make it to the knockouts after failing last season.

Should director of rugby Alex Sanderson select a full complement, English loose forwards like Tom Curry and his captain brother Ben, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, scrumhalf Raffi Quirke and winger Tom Roebuck will be the other internationals to keep a watchful eye on.

The Stormers know that only five points will be good enough to keep their hopes alive of progressing. They currently sit at the bottom of Pool 4 with no points after two losses. Sale are fourth with five points.

“They’ve won one and lost the other, so they will definitely come out to win. They must also win both their games to progress or to get a good seeding,” Nel said. “With the Du Preez twins and Curry brothers upfront, there will be a massive physical aspect.

“Ernst is also very physical, and can move with the ball under his arm. We expected a very different challenge from last year.”