The Stormers team is preparing for the upcoming derby in the United Rugby Championship (URC) in Cape Town, where they will closely monitor the play of Sharks player, lock Eben Etzebeth, following his impressive display of skill and speed against Leinster last week.
Etzebeth demonstrated skills typical of backline players: he fooled the defensive line of former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber, broke through a gap, and started a run comparable to a 100-meter sprint. After gaining significant meters, he decided to pass the ball to the true sprinter Edwill van der Merwe. This allowed Etzebeth to receive another pass, after which he passed it to his captain Andre Esterhuizen, who was tackled, allowing the midfielder to score a spectacular try.
This episode served as a warning from the Sharks team to the Cape Town side before their first match of the season on the coast. Nevertheless, Stormers veteran, versatile forward Deon Fury, stated that the team is prepared for what Etzebeth and his teammates might bring.
40-year-old Fury noted: 'It's amazing what you can achieve when you get older.' He added that he considers Etzebeth to be in good shape now, as he had struggled with injuries and concussions over the past two years, but is now in better condition, as seen in his performance for the Boks and last week. 'He enjoys it, and that's the old Eben.'
Defensive coach Norman Lekker warned that the team would have to prepare for the onslaught from the coastal rivals. Since Sharks won the last two URC matches, Stormers will take to the field with a desire for revenge on Saturday. They will also play their first match in the new 'Men in Black' kit, making the event even more special.
Stormers' caution ahead of Sharks' attack
Lekker emphasized that they would be closely watching players like Etzebeth. 'If Eben carries the ball, you don't move away from him. Regardless of whether he executes a dummy pass, you stay on him,' Lekker joked. He also noted the high level of the Sharks team: 'Sharks are a quality team. JP Petersen has done phenomenal work with them since his appointment. They beat us last year at the DHL stadium. I think this was his first or second game in leadership, I'm not 100% sure, but what he has done with the Sharks is phenomenal. He is highly respected.' Lekker concluded that the team would not change its tactics, as they were helping them, and that it would be a big match.
