Stormers bulk up pack, with dangerous backs ready to strike in sold-out Bulls URC derby

The Stormers believe the key to extending their unbeaten United Rugby Championship (URC) run lies in weathering — and winning — the opening exchanges against the Bulls on Saturday in Cape Town before striking decisively in the second half of the season’s first north-south derby.

South Africa’s greatest franchise rivalry is set for another potential humdinger when the arch-rivals clash at the DHL Stadium (6pm kick-off) in the first match of the new year for both sides.

Their seasons could hardly be more different at present: the Cape side is flying high, unbeaten in seven URC matches and nine in total, while the Bulls find themselves mired in a losing slump under new coach Johann Ackermann.

Things have taken a turn for the worse at Loftus Versfeld, to the extent that the Bulls roped in the expertise of four Springbok assistant coaches ahead of the derby. While it caught the Stormers’ attention, they have gone about their business in preparing for what the ‘always dangerous’ Bulls can bring.

Director of rugby John Dobson emphasised that they do not believe for one second that an ‘undercooked’ side will arrive in the Mother City, and they have braced for a full-on onslaught.

The way Dobson bulked up his forward pack for the duel — leaving fetcher Paul de Villiers on the bench to include the brute strength of Ruan Ackermann — is testament to what they are expecting. He also opted for veteran loosehead Ali Vermaak to try and tame the power of Springbok tighthead Wilco Louw, who delivered a strong scrumming performance the last time the sides met in Cape Town.

However, the two headline changes for the Stormers are the reinstatement of Springboks Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu after their injuries. The international stars will add plenty of firepower to the home side’s attack, while also being instrumental through their kicking games and defensive abilities.

“It is going to be a massive game, not just for me, but for the other players and the franchise,” Willemse said about the derby as he prepares to start for the 100th time in a Stormers jersey.

“Key areas will be the set piece, defence and kicking game. Whoever wins the latter will have most of the ball possession and the other team will have to defend. We have prepared really well this week and have an inkling of what the Bulls will bring.

“However, it might be different, and they may run the ball or kick it. We will analyse it and adapt accordingly. The Bulls are a strong team, and they have about 16 or 17 Springboks — Willie le Roux with 100 international caps, Handré Pollard who is close to 100, a Bok front row, and lock Ruan Nortjé as their captain.

“That is some serious players, and form won’t have an impact. We are focused on getting the result. There is plenty of history in this game, and we will look to put our best foot forward.”

Dobson added that when teams are low on confidence, it is up to the Stormers to test them. However, he is convinced a hell of a battle awaits his side, warning that desperation for a win can make teams dangerous.

The Loftus-based side will arrive in Cape Town knowing they beat their hosts last season, which should add belief. However, they will need a strong performance to topple the high-flying Stormers.

“It will all be about handling the onslaught in the first 20 minutes,” Dobson said.

“If we can put them under pressure and keep going forward, then that (win) confidence thing comes into play. This is one of the biggest club rugby matches in the world and will be played in front of a sold-out DHL Stadium.

“We know that we will need to be at our absolute best throughout the game to come away with the result.”

The Stormers confirmed that no tickets will be on sale at the stadium. Gates for the clash will open at 3pm and supporters are encouraged to arrive early and to make use of public transport.

Stormers XV 

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Ruan Ackermann, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ali Vermaak.

Replacements: 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adré Smith, 20 Ruben van Heerden, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Jurie Matthee.