Date: Saturday, 21 December 2024
Time: 15:45
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Introduction
The DHL Stormers are back in Cape Town and will host a resurgent Emirates Lions team in what promises to be a fiery all-South African showdown. With the Lions sitting higher in the standings, the Stormers will be desperate to reassert themselves at home and keep their campaign alive.
Current Form and Standings
The Stormers are struggling this season, sitting 13th with just two wins from six matches. Their recent loss to the Sharks compounded their frustrations. The Lions, on the other hand, have enjoyed a strong season, securing 4th place with four wins, but back-to-back defeats to Leinster and Munster have dented their momentum.
Key Player Performances
- Stormers: Leolin Zas leads the try-scoring charts for the Stormers with four tries this season, while Damian Willemse’s 26 points remain vital.
- Lions: Rabz Maxwane continues to shine for the Lions with four tries, while Kade Wolhuter’s accuracy from the boot has earned him 37 points.
Head-to-Head and Historical Insights
The Stormers have been dominant in recent meetings, winning six of the last seven encounters. The Lions’ last victory in Cape Town was in December 2021, and they’ll be determined to change that statistic.
Tactical Breakdown
The Stormers will look to their physical pack to dominate the collisions and set-piece battles. However, the Lions’ attacking structure, led by the pace of Maxwane and the game management of Wolhuter, will test the Stormers’ defense.
Fun Fact
The Stormers have won their last 10 fixtures against South African sides since their loss to the Lions in 2021.
Final Thoughts
With both teams needing a win for different reasons, this derby has all the makings of a classic. The Stormers’ home crowd will demand a response, while the Lions aim to prove they are South Africa’s form team.
Did You Know?
Leolin Zas is one of the few players in the URC to score in four separate matches this season.