Stormers’ midfield defence in focus before coastal derby

The renewed emphasis comes after a difficult period in Europe, where an under-strength Stormers team were heavily beaten 61–10 by Harlequins in London in the Investec Champions Cup, a result that marked their first loss of the campaign.

Although they responded with a morale-boosting 39–26 victory over Leicester Tigers at home last weekend, the coaching staff were still concerned by the concession of four tries.

The Stormers head into the weekend unbeaten in the United Rugby Championship and sitting at the top of the standings, with a clear intention to protect that record against a Sharks side currently positioned 14th on the log.

The Sharks arrive in Cape Town with renewed confidence, boosted by the return of several Springboks and a noticeable lift in intensity under interim head coach JP Pietersen.

Laker believes form often counts for little in derby fixtures.

READ: De Villiers eyes all-round impact as Stormers shift focus to URC derby

"Whether you're playing the Sharks, Bulls or Lions at home, it's always a tough one because all three teams want to beat you. I know it's the same with us. The Sharks came to us last year, I think at home, and they got us in Durban.

"With all the Boks home, J.P. Pietersen as the new Head Coach, and John Plumtree being asked to leave the Union, I think there is a bit of an energised Sharks team."

The Stormers’ most recent derby outings came in December against the Lions and the Bulls, matches in which they were pushed hard but still managed to find a way to win, a trait that has increasingly defined this squad.

Their ability to grind out results under pressure has become a hallmark of the Cape side, particularly in tight contests where momentum swings late in games.

Twenty-three-year-old loose forward Paul de Villiers says past results and log positions hold little significance in a derby.

"It doesn't matter what your results were prior to a derby or any game, its like a 50-50. it's similar to those inter-school derbies, where it doesn't matter if you lost all your games that year; on the day, it's about which team is best prepared."

Defensively, the Stormers face a significant challenge in the Sharks midfield, which boasts considerable power and experience in Springboks Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker, alongside exciting Junior Springbok centre Jurenzo Julius.

Laker expects the battle in the middle of the park to be pivotal, while expressing confidence that his young defensive combinations are ready to test themselves at the highest level.