Preview: The Cell C Sharks vs Stormers – Featured Durban Blog

Week three of Vodacom Super Rugby sees the Cell C Sharks facing arguably their toughest challenge of the tournament to date when they head down to Cape Town to take on the Stormers on Saturday afternoon.

Not only will this weekend be interesting, but indeed the next fortnight for the Cell C Sharks as they play two tough derbies (next week they take on the Bulls at Loftus). This goes for the rest of the teams representing the country too.

“The season is now well and truly underway and we will start to see the pecking order of the South African teams revealed over the next couple of weeks,” explains Director of Rugby Gary Gold.

“With respect to the teams we’ve already played, we feel that the next two games will be our sternest opposition to date.”

Given the hype surrounding this match between two unbeaten South African sides, and traditionally a massive derby game, there is a case to be made for the possibility of nerves, but Gold admits that he is more excited than nervous.

“This is what we work so hard for, what the players play for, and we’re really excited to go down to Cape Town. We’re feeling incredibly energised to have this test of where we are at this stage.

“We have a huge amount of respect for the Stormers, a team enjoying continuity as far as their development goes and they’re a tight unit, you can see that.”

Talking continuity, Gold’s unchanged team is rare in a physical competition like this that exacts its toll on the body.

“The guys have delivered and we do not want to make random changes for the sake of change,” Gold asks.  “We have a rare opportunity inasmuch as we had no major injuries and we can therefore maintain unity and cohesiveness. We want to keep this going as long as we can, although there will come a time when we have to rotate. But right now, three games in a row with minimal changes is a nice run.”

Looking at the opposition, Gold is only too aware of the need for complete and utter focus and commitment from his team if they are to come away from this huge clash successfully.

“We’re really going to have to pitch up in Cape Town,” he says emphatically.

“It’s going to be another step up, away from home, in front of a packed Newlands; the Stormers play well there. We’re going to have to play the right game and be on it for the full 80.

“We want to put down a marker and make our supporters proud.”

“It’s going to be a massive physical battle, as we’ve come to expect of South African derbies.”