Sharks vs Stormers in Durban: It’s anyone’s game

While the Stormers have enjoyed Vodacom URC success in Durban, the Sharks won the last encounter between the coastal rivals at Kings Park.

The Sharks welcome the Stormers to Durban on Saturday on the back of a statement 30-19 URC win at Cape Town Stadium.

The teams have met four times in the URC at the Shark Tank.

There was a thrilling 22-22 draw in the inaugural season, before the Stormers came away with two wins, including a 46-19 drubbing in 2022-23.

However, the Sharks finally managed to win at home last season, in November 2024, in what was also their first-ever victory over the Stormers in the URC.

Having also broken their Cape Town URC hoodoo with their first win in five attempts last Saturday, the 11th-placed Sharks will look to keep moving up the log, while at the same time fending off local rivals in the SA Shield.

The Stormers will have revenge on their minds and putting in a performance that could possibly see them regain top spot on the table.

URC SA SHIELD: Too close to call

Sharks vs Stormers in URC at Kings Park
2021-22: Sharks 22 Stormers 22
2022-23: Sharks 19 Stormers 46
2023-24: Sharks 21 Stormers 25
2024-25: Sharks 21 Stormers 15

Relive the two most recent clashes between the teams at Kings Park:

SHARKS 21 STORMERS 15
30 November 2024
Round 7, 2024-25 season

The Sharks beat the Stormers 21-15 in a dramatic clash, ending a long winless run against their Cape rivals.

The home side appeared to have the contest under control when they led 21-8 with only minutes remaining, having relied on resolute defence and timely strikes rather than sustained dominance.

But the Stormers nearly produced a remarkable escape act after being awarded a late penalty try and then launching a multi-phase counterattack from their own tryline after the hooter.

Flyhalf Manie Libbok, introduced after Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was concussed in the first half, crossed beneath the posts following a brilliant break to seemingly complete the comeback. However, the try was disallowed after the TMO ruled a knock-on earlier in the buildup by Libbok, sparking heartbreak for the visitors.

The Sharks’ defensive effort was central to the result, with Siya Kolisi outstanding at the breakdown and fellow loose forward Vincent Tshituka producing a crucial try-saving tackle.

Centre Ethan Hooker and Kolisi crossed in the first half, before midfielder Andre Esterhuizen capitalised on a Stormers error to extend the lead after the break.

While the Stormers dominated territory and created numerous opportunities, their failure to convert pressure into points proved costly.

STATE OF THE URC: Stormers seek revenge at Shark Tank

SHARKS 21 STORMERS 25
17 February 2024
Round 10, 2023-24 season

The Stormers produced a superb controlled performance to leave Kings Park with a 25-21 victory.

Although the Sharks rallied late, the visitors’ dominance – particularly in the first half – ensured the result was rarely in doubt. The Stormers struck twice inside the opening 22 minutes and spent long periods camped in Sharks territory, with their only regret being the failure to secure a bonus-point try.

Hooker Joseph Dweba opened the scoring in the 17th minute after strong phase play, before scrumhalf Paul de Wet finished a slick move sparked by fullback Warrick Gelant’s vision and pace.

The Sharks only entered the Stormers’ 22 for the first time after 26 minutes, eventually getting on the board through prop Ox Nche to trail 12-7.

A Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu penalty steadied the Stormers at 15-7 at the break, and a converted try by wing Ben Loader extended the lead to 22-7 early in the second half.

The Sharks showed more intent after Siya Masuku’s introduction at flyhalf, with loose forward James Venter crossing. But Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s composure from the tee proved decisive as he slotted another penalty to keep the Stormers out of range.

The Sharks would manage a further late try by hooker Bongi Mbonambi to close the gap to just four, but the Stormers managed to see out the game in the closing moments without further drama.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images