Stormers prop: Wilco is URC's 'best scrummager'

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Sti Sithole is relishing the opportunity to lock horns with Springbok scrum anchor Wilco Louw on Saturday when the Stormers and Vodacom Bulls clash in Cape Town.

With Louw set to lead a fired-up Bulls pack to the Mother City this week for the rescheduled round-one North-South derby in the Vodacom URC, the stage is set for a fierce battle up front in the shadow of Table Mountain.

A scrummaging powerhouse, the 30-year-old Louw has been instrumental in turning the Bulls pack into a formidable unit since returning from Harlequins last season. His resurgence earned him a recall to the Springbok squad in late 2024, marking his return to the Test arena after four years.

Sithole, who rejoined the Stormers last season after a stint with the Lions, knows the challenge that awaits but is eager to impose himself.

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"Wilco is probably the best scrummaging tighthead in the competition," the loosehead prop told reporters at training on Wednesday. "It will be a massive challenge for us, but we prepped well and we're looking forward to it on Saturday."

Despite an ankle injury limiting him to five starts from seven appearances this season, Sithole is set to pack down against a Bulls scrum that thrives on dominance. 

"The Bulls are a big physical side, it's a big derby and is going to be a physical one," he said. "We worked hard on our set piece, we know they are a very set-piece driven team. We're looking to target and match that, if not better it as well."

Having experienced the intensity of several Jukskei derbies for the Lions against the Bulls, Sithole understands the magnitude of this week’s clash: "I think you'll struggle to find a bigger game than this, especially in a setting like this."

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images

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