The biggest rivalry in South African rugby takes center stage tonight as the DHL Stormers face the Vodacom Bulls at a sold-out Cape Town Stadium. With kick-off set for 18:00, the stage is set for a New Year’s blockbuster featuring a galaxy of Springbok stars.
The Drama Behind the Derby
The build-up has been anything but quiet. Rumors regarding the Bulls utilizing Springbok coaching staff have added extra “spice” to the encounter. However, Bulls coach Johan Ackermann is adamant about leaving the noise behind:
“We can’t change the past… we go into the new year with a fresh outlook, and that is to play good rugby.”
The Stakes
- The Stormers: Currently the competition’s pace-setters and undefeated. Coach John Dobson is wary of a “dangerous and desperate” Bulls side and has urged his team to avoid complacency.
- The Bulls: Looking to break the Stormers’ streak, the Pretoria outfit is leaning on a “clean slate” mentality to cause an upset in the Mother City.
The Matchday Squads
| DHL STORMERS | POSITION | VODACOM BULLS |
| Warrick Gelant | 15 | Willie le Roux |
| Suleiman Hartzenberg | 14 | Sebastian de Klerk |
| Wandisile Simelane | 13 | Canan Moodie |
| Damian Willemse | 12 | David Kriel |
| Leolin Zas | 11 | Stravino Jacobs |
| Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu | 10 | Handre Pollard |
| Cobus Reinach | 9 | Paul de Wet |
| Evan Roos | 8 | Jeandre Rudolph |
| Salmaan Moerat (C) | Captain | Ruan Nortje (C) |
Referee: Griffin Colby
TMO: Marius Jonker
