Sharks early URC momentum faces Stormers test

The Durban side has made the perfect start to the URC, beating the Ospreys 41-24 before edging defending champions Leinster 26-20 at Kings Park. Those two victories have given the Sharks ten points from their opening two matches and early momentum heading into Saturday’s coastal derby. 

After a difficult 2025/26 campaign, where inconsistency was a major concern despite their Springbok resources, the Sharks appear to have developed a different edge under coach JP Pietersen, and Nche says the physicality of the pack has also become an important part of their identity. 

"The main difference is that we do what we say and there is a lot more action this time around. We are all aligned and we all share the same mindset so I'm really enjoying it."

READ: Stormers unleash returning Boks in URC derby against Sharks

Having already claimed their first-ever URC victory over Leinster, the Sharks now face a different challenge against the Stormers in Cape Town. Nche believes the focus must be on turning their promising opening into something that can be sustained throughout the campaign.

Sharks forwards coach Philip Lemmer expects the battle at scrum time to be one of the defining features of Saturday’s coastal derby. He has compared the contest between the two packs to two brothers going head-to-head, with several players having faced one another during their Springbok careers.

"It's going to be a real battle, and it's almost like two brothers will be taking one another on at scrum time. These players have known one another for many years and I think it's a massive opportunity for both teams to see who can dominate the set piece this weekend."

Among the possible individual battles is the showdown between Springbok props Ox Nche and Wilco Louw, with Louw having returned to the Stormers after beginning his career in the Western Province system. 

Nche says facing a familiar Springbok teammate adds another layer to what should already be a fiercely contested battle between the two packs. With both forwards having represented South Africa at the highest level, their duel could be one of the highlights when these two sides meet in Cape Town at DHL Stadium at 16:00 on Saturday.