Stormers expect tight contest against Sharks in rainy Durban

Stormers coach John Dobson is pleased to have the return of some of his key Springbok players but expects war on the field when they take on the Sharks in Durban in the PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA this weekend.

The Stormers have welcomed Pieter-Steph du Toit back into the starting lineup after he was rested against the Lions last weekend.

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The Cape side will also see the return of both their locks – JD Schickerling and Marvin Orie. Both players return to the starting side for the clash in Durban.

Dobson expressed his gratitude for the returning trio.

“They are all high quality players, that’s two Springboks and a guy who played SA A in Schickerling. That gives us a bit of optimism”, stated Dobson.

He is predicting a physical contest between the forwards packs. Both packs are likely to keep it tight amongst their forwards with rain expected to result in a wet-weather match.

Conditions that encourage an intense battle from the forward packs of both sides and little time with the ball for the respective backs.

Dobson knows all to well just how difficult it is to get into a forwards battle with this Sharks pack.

“The Sharks pack is big and heavy and we have struggled to move them before in Super Rugby. Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit aren’t easy to move, it’s going to take a lot of work.” said Dobson.

The Sharks have welcomed Springbok wing and 2019 Rugby World Cup winner, Makazole Mapimpi back from Japan.

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While their other World Cup-winning winger, Sbu Nkosi has recovered from the shoulder injury that kept him out of last week’s loss against the Bulls.

He is expected to start against the Stormers this weekend.

With the Sharks returning Bok wings both known for their prolific aerial ability, Dobson is fully aware of the battle that lies ahead.

“We are expecting a massive aerial battle this weekend and have trained a lot around that.” admitted Dobson.

Both us kicking and chasing our own contestables, receiving their constestables and setting after that.” stated the Stormers coach.

Dobson and his side are ready for the intense battle between the forwards and the aerial contest the rainy conditions will bring.

This is a must-win clash for Dobson’s side if they are to remain alive in the Rainbow Cup SA competition.

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Having only won one out of three of their matches to date. Including a 33-30 loss the last time these sides met.

The return of some of his key forwards has come just in time, given the wet-weather rugby that awaits this coastal derby.