Rugby

Why the Stormers derby win means so much

The Stormers are on monitor for a house semi-final of their defence of the United Rugby Championship after an away win over the Bulls.

The Cape facet held their nerve at Loftus Versfeld the place greater than 40 000 followers packed in to look at the newest version of this iconic derby.

ALSO READ: Stormers vs Bulls participant rankings: Springbok coaches can be completely satisfied

It was a tricky battle the place the guests snuck into the half time break 13-12 forward earlier than holding on to win 23-19. While no bonus level was secured, the 4 logs factors have been price their weight in gold.

Stormers in management

Why? It allowed the defending champions to maneuver 13 factors away from the Bulls in the South African protect. Not solely did they take bragging rights however additionally they moved to 54 factors on the desk and 10 factors away from third-placed Ulster.

ALSO READ: Springboks reveal key particulars forward of first participant camp

The Irish workforce misplaced 17-11 to Glasgow Warriors this weekend. What it means is that the Stormers now have all the playing cards they should navigate their remaining league video games in the URC with one eye on their knockout sport with the Harlequins in the Champions Cup.

What lies forward for the Cape franchise

A coastal derby towards the Sharks, who appear to be eyeing Champions Cup glory over the URC, can be performed on 4 March. A win in that contest and the Stormers would possibly simply relaxation lots of their stars for the journey to Ireland to face Leinster, who’re seven clear at the high of the URC log, on 24 March.

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The Stormers host Harlequins on 1 April they usually may very well be very contemporary for that contest which is able to increase their possibilities much more.

On Saturday, 15 April Irish facet Munster go to Cape Town earlier than a visit to Stellenbosch on Friday, 21 April the place they host Benetton. In what has been an extended season throughout two competitions with Springboks out and in of obligation, the win over the Bulls means they’ll preserve safely onto second spot (and the dwelling semi-final that comes with it) with no need to at full power for each match.

The defending champions seem like in an excellent place at current.

Deon Fourie has been a star for the Stormers. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

ALSO READ: Springbok wing named in Blitzboks squad

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