Stormers await Springboks fitness verdicts as Sharks derby looms

Following their 39-26 Champions Cup win over Leicester Tigers, focus has shifted back to domestic action, where the Stormers remain the only unbeaten side in the URC. They face the Sharks in back-to-back derbies, home and away, in a period coach John Dobson has described as season-defining.

Defence coach Norman Laker confirmed no new injuries were picked up against Leicester, but Damian Willemse, Warrick Gelant and captain Salmaan Moerat must still pass fitness tests after missing that match. Prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, who underwent a head injury assessment during the game, will also be monitored.

"We'll have a clearer picture later today," Laker said. "A couple of players still need to come through their fitness tests."

The absence of senior figures was felt against Leicester, particularly in the line-out and backline organisation, with Wandisile Simelane shifting to fullback in Gelant's absence. Centre Ruhan Nel also remains touch and go after withdrawing from training late last week and will need to be assessed before selection.

There is cautious optimism that reinforcements are imminent. Dobson indicated that Willemse, Gelant, Moerat and Cobus Reinach could return, along with Adre Smith, Jurie Matthee, Sazi Sandi and Nel, strengthening a squad stretched in recent weeks.

The Sharks, buoyed by a strong Champions Cup win over Clermont, are expected to field a powerful lineup despite their mixed URC form. Dobson acknowledged the scale of the challenge.

"We've got two massive local derbies coming up," he said. "We want to keep that unbeaten record in the URC."

Beyond the derby double-header, the Stormers will travel to France in April to face Toulon in the Champions Cup last 16, with Dobson confident his side now has the depth to compete on multiple fronts.

READ MORE: Tony Brown breaks silence on All Black coaching gig rumours