Yet, beyond the team rivalry in the DHL Stadium (5 pm start), it is the individual battles that promise to shape the outcome of this titanic clash where the Stormers will look to maintain their dominance in Cape Town over the Sharks.
Independent Newspapers takes a closer look at five key matchups to watch in the final local derby of 2024, each promising to bring its own flavour to this highly anticipated encounter.
Four key match-ups in tomorrow's #VURC coastal derby you don't want to miss 🍿🆚 pic.twitter.com/aHipRkGQjO
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) December 27, 2024
Manie Libbok v Jordan Hendrikse
Probably the most important two players in the starting line-ups for their sides.
Libbok runs the show for the hosts and his attacking was sublime the last time out against the Lions. He also played a pivotal role in a try, assisting with his accurate kicking boot. But he must sharpen up his shots at goal.
Hendrikse will run at the Stormers’ defensive line every chance he gets, but his distribution will also be key for his side. His tactical kicking will also play a crucial role to keep the home side in check.
Warrick Gelant v Aphelele Fassi
The two Springbok fullbacks are not really that dissimilar when it comes to the attack.
Gelant with his magical offloads and ability to draw defenders onto him to set a teammate free, will be watched like a hawk. How he covers the backfield when the Sharks kick will also be vital for his side.
Fassi should brace himself for the kicks of the Stormers, but he is naturally secure under the high balls and should not have any problems. His attack can also spark something from nothing to get his team going forward.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu v Andre Esterhuizen
In terms of size, it’s a bit of a mismatch, but in terms of abilities the two Boks can cause havoc on any given day.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu recovered from an injury and will be hopeful for 80 minutes where he can feed off Libbok and Warrick Gelant on the attack. His kicking boot could also prove pivotal for his side.
Esterhuizen and his bulldozing runs up the midfield could cause destruction right through the clash. He will grab any chance to take on the defensive line, but his left boot to relieve pressure will also be needed.
Frans Malherbe v Ox Nche
It’s the front row battle of the Bok props that people will be watching with baited breath.
Malherbe only returned to full fitness recently, but he will look to give Nche the same medicine the loosehead received from another Bok tighthead Wilco Louw. The scrum will be one area that Malherbe wants to dominate.
Nche has been struggling against local tightheads and it’s a thing he probably wants to set straight. Who better than to do it against than a double World Cup winner? His ball carries will also be crucial.
Deon Fourie v Phepsi Buthelezi
The old dog with his bag full of tricks against the youngster looking to establish himself.
Fourie was massive in his first game back after a lengthy injury lay-off and will look to kick on from it. His poaching abilities was outstanding and it brings a different dimension to the Stormers’ game.
Buthelezi would want to make use of this starting opportunity to show that he should not be forgotten about. Pivotal in the final moments of the previous coastal derby and he will look to be a menace at the breakdowns again.