Stormers prop Sti Sithole (with ball) is gearing up for a big scrum battle against the Bulls’ Wilco Louw, seen here tackling him. Photo: BackpagePix
While the Cape Town Stadium turf took a beating with the recent bout of concerts, the Stormers pack are still confident that they will be able to utilise their scrum weapon against the Bulls on Saturday.
Stormers loosehead Sti Sithole hopes to contain the power of Wilco Louw at scrum time in the #URC North-South derby in Cape Town on Saturday. His thoughts on facing the Bigman #STOvBUL pic.twitter.com/yzPv0CgqFV
— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) February 5, 2025
The forwards will take centre stage in the Mother City (2pm start) when they face each other in the scrums and lineouts, hoping to gain the ascendency.
That will bring their dangerous backlines into play in the first North-South Derby of the United Rugby Championship season.
In the front row, Stormers loosehead Sti Sithole will have a big task at hand should he get the starting nod against the Bulls’ Wilco Louw.
Bulls No 3 Louw, a former Stormers tighthead, has been rampaging through his opponents this season, and will look to continue his domination upfront.
“Wilco is probably the best scrummaging tighthead now in the comp, so it will be a massive challenge for us," Sithole said yesterday after practice.
“Hopefully we can up our performance from last time against them here in Cape Town on Saturday.
“We have been working hard on our set-piece, because they are a set-piece-driven team. We are looking to target that, match it and better it.
“The pitch feels decent underfoot (for scrummaging), although it doesn’t look that great.
“The Bulls are a big and physical South African side, and this is a massive SA derby. This is as big as it gets, and we are looking forward to it.”
The Stormers are unbeaten at their fortress against their visitors, but two losses in their last two games leave them with little momentum.
Flyhalf Manie Libbok, outside centre Ruhan Nel and the newly-wed Suleiman Hartzenberg did not train yesterday, while JD Schickerling is out injured for an extended period.
A Stormers update: No Manie Libbok, Ruhan Nel, and Suleiman Hartzenberg at training. Jurie Matthee running at 10, Dan du Plessis back at 12. Clayton Blommetjies in the mix with Gary Porter as lock cover #URC #STOvBUL pic.twitter.com/pRAfPegXMF
— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) February 5, 2025
Jurie Matthee will step into the No 10 jersey should Libbok remain on the injury list, while inside centre Dan du Plessis and youngster Jonathan Roche paired in the midfield during training.
According to Sithole, you will struggle to find a bigger game than the North-South Derby, especially when it is hosted in Cape Town.
But the Stormers understand the big task on hand, especially as they aim to return to winning ways in the tournament.
A spot in the top eight of the URC points table is up for grabs if they can bag four or five points on Saturday.
“This is a special clash, and it is almost sold out. It probably will be sold out by Saturday. A packed DHL Stadium is something to witness live,” Sithole said.
“Our log position at this time of the season is not ideal. Every game now is pretty crucial and a must-win, especially these home matches. We need maximum points, so we are looking for a result.”
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