URC showdown as Stormers, Sharks gear up for double derby weekend

The United Rugby Championship (URC) heats up with a double derby showdown, as the Sharks host the Lions in Durban, while the Stormers face the Bulls in Cape Town.

The Sharks have been on a winning streak following the departure of head coach John Plumstree and the return of Springbok André Esterhuizen and S'busiso Nkosi.

“The Lions have lost their last three matches, so they are trying to arrest their losing streak, but I think the Sharks will start as favourites,” says rugby journalist Jan De Koning.

In Cape Town, the Stormers welcome back fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and inside centre Damian Willemse from injury.  

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The Bulls, meanwhile, have also faced criticism following their request to involve Springbok coaches to assist the team.

Several assistant coaches, including Felix Jones, Jerry Flannery, and Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen, will be providing short-term technical support to the team

De Koning says the controversy stemmed from SA Rugby’s lack of communication over whether the Bok coaches would be involved in this URC fixture.  

“SA Rugby is at fault here. Their initial announcement was so vague and didn’t clarify… This [assistance] is available to all teams… but [Bulls head coach] Johan Ackermann had to clarify that it is not [specifically] for this week but for the longer term,” he says.

To listen to De Koning in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane, click the audio player below: