Stormers make ‘Men in Black’ statement in Sharks URC derby demolition

The Stormers’ rumbling rolling maul and scrum laid the platform for their runaway 39-22 coastal derby victory over the Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon.

Celebrating their new ‘Men in Black’ jersey in front of more than 40 000 supporters in style – a colour they haven’t worn since 1999 – the home side dominated from the first whistle to avenge their double defeat to the Durbanites last season in the United Rugby Championship (URC). With the bonus-point victory, they also brought an end to the Sharks’ unbeaten run after two games and leapfrogged them on the log.

After winger Seabelo Senatla crossed in the corner for the opening try barely six minutes into the game, celebrating with a backflip in the same fashion as legendary Stormers and Springbok winger Breyton Paulse, the class of 2026 announced themselves in the black jersey.

Paulse, who was on commentary for broadcaster SuperSport, wore a broad smile as he witnessed Senatla’s flick-flack.

The Stormers promised an entertaining clash in their first game at home, and they delivered. They promised to do the ‘Men in Black’ jersey justice, and they delivered in their first outing. Now, they have to keep it going for the rest of the season.

It was also a special occasion at DHL Stadium with the return of Bok captain Siya Kolisi and tighthead Wilco Louw, as well as injured utility back Cheslin Kolbe. Kolbe made a brief appearance ahead of kick-off, while Kolisi announced himself with some slick play down the touchline during the game.

However, it was Louw who stole the show. His scrum battle against Ox Nché went only one way – in favour of his new team. Alongside loosehead Ntuthuko Mchunu and hooker André-Hugo Venter, the Stormers battered the Sharks’ front row. Nché and fellow Bok Thomas du Toit struggled to find answers to the powerful scrum, although Du Toit did win a defensive scrum for his side.

In the mauls, things also went swimmingly for the home team. They made metres every time they launched one and scored three tries from them. The Sharks had no real answers, with hookers André-Hugo Venter and JJ Kotzé, as well as eighthman Hacjivah Dayimani, scoring brilliant tries off the back of powerful mauls.

Dayimani scored his second five-pointer in the second half after the scrum pushed the Sharks over their own goal line, with Mchunu and Louw powering through their Bok counterparts.

The Stormers sealed their bonus point just one minute into the second half when winger Leolin Zas scored. At that stage, the Sharks were still down to 13 players following yellow cards for Matt Romao for a dangerous tackle on Jonathan Roche and Tshituka for pulling down a maul. They had also lost flyhalf Vusi Moyo and lock Eben Etzebeth to injuries in the first half, stalling their momentum.

When the Sharks returned to a full complement, they worked their way over the try line for a rolling-maul try – their second of the clash – which injected some life into their game.

Head coach JP Pietersen then rolled the dice, bringing on six replacements at the same time, and they seemed to do the trick as the Sharks scored another brilliant try, with Phepsi Buthelezi going over.

It came during a period when the Stormers were playing a little too loosely and had gone into a defensive lull. However, as director of rugby John Dobson emptied his bench, the replacements injected fresh energy into the side. Replacement hooker JJ Kotzé’s rolling-maul try effectively sealed the game as the Sharks looked to fight back.

Dayimani, who had another outstanding match, nearly completed his hat-trick in the final 10 minutes after some brilliant ball movement by the home team got the crowd on their feet. However, before the try, fullback Damian Willemse knocked the ball on.

It was a brilliant first home performance by the Cape side, although they will feel they could have scored more points. Nevertheless, they can build on this exciting display as they head into their next few matches.

Points scorers: Stormers 39 (13): Tries: Seabelo Senatla, Hacjivah Dayimani (2), André-Hugo Venter, Leolin Zas, JJ Kotzé. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3). Penalties: Mngomezulu. Sharks (8): Tries: Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Phepsi Buthelezi. Conversions: Gianni Lombard (2). Penalty: Lombard.