Stormers’ Eben Etzebeth crashes into Bismarck du Plessis. Image: Twitter
Stormers vs Sharks: When Etzebeth manhandled Bismarck
The Stormers vs Sharks rivalry remains as fierce as ever and heading into the weekend, we remember an iconic battle amongst the forwards.
Stormers’ Eben Etzebeth crashes into Bismarck du Plessis. Image: Twitter
The Stormers vs Sharks rivalry remains as fierce as ever and heading into the weekend, we remember an iconic battle amongst the forwards.
The Stormers remain the team to beat in the South Africa shield in the United Rugby Championship. The task at hand gets bigger for the Sharks who will be out to avoid home and away defeats this season on Saturday.
ALSO READ: Springboks to get Nigel Owens on board – report
The home team are looking to defend their title and at the same time hand the Sharks another loss.
Stormers vs Sharks: Bragging rights at stake
The Durban franchise lost 31-24 to Ulster and have struggled for consistency this season.
That all goes to the side in a local derby where players are also pushing for a place in the Springboks squad ahead of the World Cup later in the year.
ALSO READ: Springboks: Eben Etzebeth vs Siya Kolisi in epic battle – WATCH
It all builds up nicely for a crunch match and we could see another tough encounter like the one back in 2012. That coastal derby produced a brutal collision between Eben Etzebeth and Bismarck du Plessis. The young lock was fearless in contact as the Springbok enforcer was forced to settle for second best.
ALSO READ: COULD SPRINGBOKS SQUAD LOOK LIKE THIS?
Remember when Etzebeth manhandled Bismarck?
A coastal derby against the Sharks, who seem to be eyeing Champions Cup glory over the URC, will be played on 4 March.
A win in that contest for the Stormers might mean that they rest many of their stars for the trip to Ireland to face Leinster, who are seven clear at the top of the URC log, on 24 March.
ALSO READ: Newlands Rugby Stadium is NOT a heritage site
The Stormers host Harlequins on 1 April and they could be very fresh for that contest which will boost their chances even more.
On Saturday, 15 April Irish side Munster visit Cape Town before a trip to Stellenbosch on Friday, 21 April where they host Benetton.
ALSO READ: RECAP: Lions too good for Glasgow, Sharks fall short against Ulster
