Stormers ready to take on the Sharks in coastal derby

AFTER A harsh defeat to the Bulls, the Sharks will be just as desperate as the Stormers for a win. And Stormers coach Robbie Fleck says he’s not expecting a “flat” Sharks outfit tomorrow in Durban (5.15pm kickoff ).

The Stormers will be looking to celebrate away from home for the first time this season when they meet the Sharks in the Super Rugby coastal derby, after having lost all five of their away games and only managing to win their three games at Newlands.

Currently in fourth spot on the South African conference and 11th on the overall standings, the head coach is optimistic about his team’s chances. And with eight games left, including the one against the Sharks, they will have to secure this one if they want to get the second half of their campaign off to a good start.

“I don’t think you’ll see the Sharks like they were against the Bulls again, they looked a bit flat,” Fleck said.

“They certainly will look to front up this weekend.”

Fleck also said that they’re drawing motivation from the fact that they can still turn their season around as they head into the clash.

And as they zoom in on the Sharks, he believes it would make a “good story” if they return to Cape Town with a win after a tough start to the competition.

“We’ve still got eight games, it’s the halfway mark. We’re not where we want to be, but we can still turn things around. That’s our motivation. We acknowledge where we’re sitting, but the exciting thing is that there’s still eight games and it’s by no means done. It will be a good story if we can turn it around this week. We’re going to fight hard every week to keep climbing that ladder,” Fleck said.

The Stormers coach has made a number of changes for the cruncher.

Sikhumbuzo Notshe will make his first start of the season, and replaces Nizaam Carr, who moves to the bench, at No 8. Notshe will feature in the back row alongside skipper Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit, who will continue at openside and blindside flank respectively.

On Notshe’s selection, Fleck said: “Neemo has pretty much started every game, Notsh hasn’t had a start yet this season. So now he gets one in his favourite position, so let’s see how he goes.”

There are two changes to the backline, and one of those changes will see Dillyn Leyds starting at fullback in the place of SP Marais, who moves to the bench. Leyds’ shift to No 15 sees Craig Barry come in on the right wing, with JJ Engelbrecht returning from injury on the bench.

At scrumhalf, fit-again Dewaldt Duvenage replaces the injured Jano Vermaak in the run-on side to form the halfback pairing with flyhalf Damian Willemse, while Paul de Wet, who also featured off the bench against the Lions, will add to his 2018 appearance-tally if he comes on against the Sharks.