The Sharks are set to face a stern examination of their scrum credentials when they take on the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday. The Sharks' dominant scrum performance against Leinster last weekend has given them confidence, but scrum coach Philip Lemmer knows the Stormers will provide a tough challenge. The two teams have a history of physical contests, with Lemmer describing the scrum battle as "like the two big brothers taking sides".
The Sharks' set piece has been a highlight of their season, with Lemmer crediting the standards being driven within the squad. He emphasizes that the team focuses on maintaining standards rather than simply achieving statistics. This approach has helped the Sharks to repeatedly put pressure on their opponents and lay the platform for an impressive start to the season.
Springbok prop Ox Nche, who joined the Sharks squad after missing their pre-season preparations, believes the pack's physicality has become a defining part of their identity. He stresses that the team doesn't just use physicality as words or a catchphrase, but actually applies it. Nche expects a tough battle against the Stormers, who pride themselves on their physical contest.
The Stormers are known for their driving maul, which is another major weapon in their arsenal. Despite their lineout struggles in last weekend's loss to Edinburgh, Lemmer expects the Stormers to pose a significant threat. He notes that the Stormers' forwards do well in mauling and that stopping the maul will be a key challenge for the Sharks.
The Sharks have won their last two meetings with the Stormers, doing the double over them home and away last season. However, Lemmer insists that those results will have little relevance on Saturday. He emphasizes that the team must focus on the present challenge and measure themselves against the Stormers.
Nche is relishing the prospect of facing familiar Springbok teammates, but stresses that the Sharks' success will depend on their collective effort rather than individual battles. He believes that the team's preparation and collective performance will be key to their success against the Stormers.
With the Sharks coming off an impressive victory over Leinster and the Stormers opening their home campaign, Saturday's derby promises to be a significant test of both teams' forward credentials. The Sharks must replicate the standards that disrupted Leinster and raise them again against a familiar and highly physical Stormers pack.
Key points
- The Sharks' scrum performance will be tested by the Stormers' physical pack.
- The Stormers' driving maul poses a significant threat to the Sharks.
- The Sharks' collective effort will be crucial to their success against the Stormers.
