SA derbies 'hell of a leveller' in URC
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There is enough attitude within the DHL Stormers ranks to upset the bigger names at the Sharks when the teams clash in Durban on Saturday, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The coastal rivals collide in the first local derby of the season, while the Bulls and Lions are overseas as the Vodacom URC returns after the international break.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane believes the Stormers have the resilience and belief to upset a Springbok-laden Sharks team in the round 7 clash at Kings Park.
Despite injuries sidelining key players such as Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe and Damian Willemse, Keohane argues the Stormers' ability to defy expectations in South African derbies under coach John Dobson makes them dangerous opponents.
The Sharks match-day 23 includes 14 current Boks and Scotland international Dylan Richardson, but Keohane notes the Stormers’ unbeaten URC record against the Durbanites.
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He also emphasises the Capetonians' preparation during the Boks' end-of-year tour as a potential advantage against the Sharks' star-studded but recently reassembled lineup.
"The Stormers can lean on history for inspiration when playing the star-studded international-fueled Sharks in Durban in the United Rugby Championship," Keohane writes.
"It is one hell of a Sharks match 23, but South African derbies are also one hell of a leveller when it comes to results.
"The Sharks players know only too well how the Stormers lift for the South African derbies and there is enough attitude within this Stormers group to upset the bigger names wearing black on Saturday.
"It should be a thrilling reminder of what makes the URC such a special competition…"
Photo: @THESTORMERS/Twitter
The post SA derbies ‘hell of a leveller’ in URC appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
