The Stormers have defined leadership roles ahead of their first coastal derby against the Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday. While Ruhan Nel will captain the side, they will also tap into the expertise of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, veteran utility forward Deon Fourie, lock JD Schickerling in the lineouts, Neethling Fouché at scrum time, and Damian Willemse at fullback. This clear leadership structure will be crucial in their United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions Cup campaign.
The Stormers are looking to get their URC campaign back on track with a win against the Sharks. They lost their previous game against Edinburgh last weekend and are currently on a two-match losing streak against the Sharks in the competition. However, Nel is not worried that the different leadership voices will create confusion on the field. He believes the team's experienced leadership group understands the importance of maintaining clear lines of communication, both with the referee and among themselves.
Nel has been working with referees and has found them to be receptive to the team's leadership structure. He informs the referees before each game about who will be communicating with them on specific issues, such as breakdowns, lineouts, and scrums. This process has been in place since Nel took over as captain, and he believes it has helped to avoid any communication hiccups.
The Stormers' leadership group includes several experienced players, including Siya Kolisi, Deon Fourie, and JD Schickerling. These players have a deep understanding of the game and can provide valuable insights to the team. Nel believes that having multiple voices with expertise in different areas will actually complement each other and help the team to perform better.
The team's coach, John Dobson, has also backed the team's leadership structure. He has faith in the team's ability to communicate effectively and make key decisions on the field. Dobson has made some significant selection calls, including replacing Warrick Gelant with Damian Willemse at fullback.
The Stormers will be running out in their iconic black throwback kit for the game against the Sharks. The team has recalled several returning Springbok stars, including Wilco Louw, who will make his first start since 2020. The Sharks, on the other hand, are looking to build on their recent culture shift, with prop Ox Nche believing that a stronger sense of belief and connection has sparked a noticeable change in the team.
The game against the Sharks is expected to be a closely contested match, with both teams looking to make a statement in the URC. The Stormers will be looking to rectify their set-piece issues, which cost them against Edinburgh last weekend. The Sharks, led by Eben Etzebeth, will be looking to punish the Stormers for their mistakes and secure a win.
Key points
- The Stormers have defined leadership roles ahead of their game against the Sharks.
- Ruhan Nel will captain the side, with Siya Kolisi, Deon Fourie, JD Schickerling, Neethling Fouché, and Damian Willemse providing support.
- The team's leadership structure is designed to provide clear communication and avoid confusion on the field.
