With the Stormers bracing for a fierce clash against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium this Saturday, defence coach Norman Laker has boosted fan expectations by confirming a near-full roster of Springboks will be returning to the fold. After a tight defeat in Edinburgh last Friday, the Stormers are eager to reverse their string of losses against their coastal rivals, who swept them in last season's matches.
"It’s a South African derby and it’s always physical. It’s almost like Springbok trials – every single guy wants to prove that he can be a Bok, so I’m looking forward to a massive game this weekend."
The team will see the return of key international players who sat out the first two rounds of the United Rugby Championship (URC) due to matches being played on artificial turf. Now back on home grass, players such as Deon Fourie, Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Wilco Louw, and Zach Porthen are all poised to make their mark, with only Cheslin Kolbe sidelined due to injury.
Laker expressed confidence in the reintegration of these seasoned players, dismissing concerns about potential rustiness. They are expected to seamlessly slot back into the team’s strategies, which have seen minor adjustments during their absence.
However, the lineup isn't set in stone just yet, as some players still face fitness and health clearances. Hooker André-Hugo Venter, who left the field during the first half against Edinburgh after failing a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), is among those whose participation is pending clearance. Similarly, No. 8 Evan Roos is undergoing fitness tests to determine his availability for the upcoming match.
The inclusion of these Springboks is seen as crucial for the Stormers as they aim to thwart the Sharks’ recent dominance and ignite their URC campaign with a much-needed win. With such high stakes, Saturday's game is shaping up to be a blockbuster of South African rugby.
