Stormers Face Do-or-Die Challenge in Champions Cup as Momentum Grows Ahead of Sale Sharks Clash

The Stormers’ path to the Champions Cup knockout stages depends on their performance in a crucial home game against Sale Sharks tomorrow, and the team is determined to carry forward the momentum gained from their recent victories.

Having triumphed over the Lions and Sharks in December’s United Rugby Championship derbies, the Cape-based team is eager to channel this winning streak into their first Champions Cup home game of the season. The stakes couldn’t be higher as they look to turn around their campaign after losing their first two matches in the competition.

Welkom in die Kaap @SaleSharksRugby #STOvSAL #iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/hPjDRqd7ku

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) January 8, 2025

Ruhan Nel, Stormers centre, highlighted the importance of building on the confidence from the local derby wins. “We know the pressure is on us,” Nel said. “After losing the first two matches, we must win both remaining fixtures if we want to make it to the playoffs.”

The Stormers will face Sale Sharks at the Cape Town Stadium in what promises to be an exciting clash. The Sale squad features South African players, including former Stormers teammates Robert du Preez and Ernst van Rhyn, as well as the Du Preez twins, Jean-Luc and Dan, who now play for the English club.

Nel is excited about the prospect of facing his former teammates, particularly Robert du Preez, whom he describes as a talented and dynamic player. “Rob is a very talented player, and it will be interesting to face him,” Nel commented. “He has a good kicking boot and brings a different dynamic when playing at 13.”

The previous #InvestecChampionsCup clash between the Stormers and Sale Sharks was a thriller in Cape Town 💥 pic.twitter.com/HYjuI7P89y

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 8, 2025

While the Stormers are focused on their own performance, they are well aware of the formidable challenge Sale Sharks will present. After a 31-24 victory over Sale last time they met, the Stormers know they will face a much stronger side this time, with Sale expected to field their best players, including international stars such as Tom and Ben Curry, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Raffi Quirke, and Tom Roebuck.

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 ⚡️

The Sharks are circling Cape Town! Thank you @Dest_Sport 🤝#SharksAreCircling🦈 | @ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/P6w61z5FhP

— Sale Sharks 🦈 (@SaleSharksRugby) January 7, 2025

The Stormers are under no illusions about the task ahead. Sitting at the bottom of Pool 4 with no points from their first two matches, they know that a win with a bonus point is essential to keep their playoff hopes alive. “Sale Sharks will definitely come out to win, and they must win both games to progress,” Nel said. “With the Du Preez twins and Curry brothers up front, it will be a massive physical battle.”

As they aim to secure a spot in the Champions Cup knockouts, the Stormers know that their physicality, combined with the momentum from their recent wins, will be crucial to overcoming Sale Sharks and keeping their hopes of advancing alive.

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