Stormers to Field Full Springbok Squad Against Sharks in URC Derby on Saturday

• The Stormers' defence coach confirmed that almost all their Springbok players are available for Saturday's United Rugby Championship derby against the Sharks
• The Stormers went into their opening match with only Siya Kolisi in the starting lineup after coach John Dobson rested his Springboks post-Test season
• The Sharks head into the clash leading the URC log with 10 points after an impressive win over defending champions Leinster

CAPE TOWN — The Stormers are set to unleash the bulk of their Springbok contingent when they host the Sharks in the first South African derby of the United Rugby Championship season on Saturday, 10 October.

Stormers defence coach Norman Laker confirmed on Monday that the national players who had been rested after a gruelling Test season are now fully available for selection.

"All the Springboks are back," Laker told reporters, according to KickOff.

"Deon [Fourie] will be back, Damian [Willemse], Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu], Cobus [Reinach], Wilco Louw and Zach Porthen. All of the guys are available except for Cheslin [Kolbe], who is obviously injured."

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Stormers looking to bounce back

John Dobson took a cautious approach with his Springboks, opting to ease them back into action rather than throwing them straight into the URC. That meant Siya Kolisi was the only returning international named in the Stormers’ starting XV for the defeat to Edinburgh.

The Sharks went in the opposite direction. They brought their Springboks back into the mix earlier and were rewarded with an impressive second-round win over defending champions Leinster. The result lifted them to the top of the URC table on 10 points.

Now back in Cape Town, the Stormers have the luxury of calling on a much stronger group of internationals as they prepare for the Sharks. Dobson will be hoping that extra firepower can help his side respond after the Edinburgh setback.

Derby raises the stakes for Springbok hopefuls

Laker made clear that Saturday's fixture carries significance beyond the league table.

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"It's a South African derby, and it's always physical," he said.

"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."

With the Sharks in ominous early-season form and the Stormers eager to get their campaign back on track, the clash at Cape Town promises to be fiercely competitive. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 on Saturday.

Stormers lineout problems add spice to Sharks derby

Briefly News also reported that the Stormers suffered a frustrating 17-13 defeat to Edinburgh, with coach John Dobson identifying their lineout as a major problem.

The Cape side lost 11 lineouts in difficult conditions and will now face an unbeaten Sharks side in Cape Town on Saturday, 10 October. Dobson has promised changes as the Stormers look to bounce back.

Source: Briefly News