Sharks, Stormers Set for Scrum Battle
The Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash between the DHL Stormers and the Hollywoodbets Sharks will feature a intense scrum battle, with both teams boasting strong front rows. Philip Lemmer, the Sharks' scrum coach, expects a fierce contest, likening it to 'two brothers taking each other on at scrum time'.
Global Newsflix 3 min read
The importance of the scrums in Saturday's big coastal derby in Cape Town between the DHL Stormers and the Sharks was highlighted by the presence of Springbok loosehead Ox Nche and scrum coach Philip Lemmer at Tuesday's pre-match press conference.
The Sharks' scrum has been almost 100 per cent successful this season, and they bullied Leinster at scrum time last weekend on their way to their second win. However, Lemmer knows that the Stormers' forward pack will provide a stern test.
Lemmer said the set-piece battle against the Stormers will be like 'two brothers taking each other on at scrum time'. The players know each other well, having played together for the Springboks, and it will be a massive point for both teams to see who can dominate the set-piece.
The Stormers' scrum was dominant overseas, despite being without key players, and it was a driving force behind their opening win over Connacht in Galway. The Sharks, on the other hand, have become used to having the scrum as a 'get out of jail card' or a pressure intensifier this season.
The match will be part of a full day out at DHL Stadium, with live music, local food, family entertainment, and player meet-and-greets starting from 13:00. The Stormers will also debut their new black away kit, inspired by the iconic 1999 Men in Black campaign.
The concourse will feature food trucks, bars, kids' activities, and activations, while local talent will perform on stage. Fans can also watch the Vodacom URC clash between the 10bet Lions and Vodacom Bulls on the big screens before the main match.
Ox Nche reminded that scrum penalties can gain a team much ground, both geographically and psychologically. The Sharks have focused on their lineouts and scrums, and they expect a tough contest against the Stormers.
Lemmer credits the Sharks' scrum success to the standards set at training, where each player keeps the guy next to him accountable. He is wary of the Stormers' driving maul and lineout work, despite their difficult outing against the elements in Edinburgh last Friday.
The Stormers are turning the match into a celebration of Cape Town, its people, and its culture. Fans who arrive early can participate in activities and watch performances, and those who scan into the stadium on the Stormers App before 14:00 will be entered into a draw to win prizes.
Key facts
- The Sharks and Stormers will clash in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship match on Saturday
- The match will feature a intense scrum battle between the two teams
- Philip Lemmer, the Sharks' scrum coach, expects a fierce contest, likening it to 'two brothers taking each other on at scrum time'
- The Stormers will debut their new black away kit, inspired by the iconic 1999 Men in Black campaign
Three perspectives
Neutral
The match between the Sharks and Stormers is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams boasting strong front rows. The outcome will depend on which team can dominate the set-piece and gain the upper hand. Fans can expect a exciting match with plenty of action.
Positive
The Sharks' scrum coach, Philip Lemmer, is confident in his team's abilities, and the Stormers' new black away kit is expected to be a hit with fans. The match will be a celebration of Cape Town, its people, and its culture, with plenty of activities and performances to enjoy.
Negative
The Stormers' difficult outing against the elements in Edinburgh last Friday may have an impact on their performance, and the Sharks' success will depend on their ability to adapt to the Stormers' driving maul and lineout work. The match may be a tough and physical contest, with both teams giving it their all.
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