While the Stormers have been South Africa’s flag-bearers in the first two editions of the Vodacom URC, they can expect a sterner challenge for the SA Shield in the 2023-24 season.
An unexpected fairy-tale run to the title in 2022 was followed by a slip at the final hurdle in 2023. The loss against Munster in the Cape Town decider would have served as a brutal reality check to John Dobson’s men, who were outfoxed by the determined Irish outfit. Still, the Stormers ticked plenty of boxes by going most of the season unbeaten at home and retaining the SA Shield, while also renewing their Champions Cup licence.
Other than outgoing captain Steven Kitshoff and lock Marvin Orie, the Stormers have retained the majority of their stars, and have fortified the squad with the return of fullback Warrick Gelant and the signing of former London Irish speedster Ben Loader – both of whom add plenty of depth and experience in the outside backs. Sti Sithole and Lizo Gqoboka have been recruited from the Lions and Bulls, respectively, to battle for the vacant No 1 jersey.
The Stormers ended last season 15 log points clear of the Bulls, while the Sharks trailed the Western Cape side by no fewer than 20 log points. However, with both rivals having taken strides to improve, overhauling their coaching staff in the off-season, the Stormers will have to fight to retain bragging rights in the Republic.
KEY PLAYER
With captain Steven Kitshoff having shipped off to Ireland, Frans Malherbe will shoulder responsibility for defending the Stormers’ reputation as destructive scrummagers. The veteran tighthead prop, who in January signed a new three-year deal until 2026, is probably the most unsung hero in the Stormers’ ranks, but nonetheless one of the best in the world at his job. A new hybrid pitch has been installed at Cape Town Stadium – one better suited to handling togs, concerts and monster trucks – which will give Malherbe a far better base to scrum on than the cabbage patch the SA champs have had to make do with over the past two seasons.
PLAYERS IN
Warrick Gelant (Racing 92)
Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls)
Ben Loader (London Irish)
Sti Sithole (Lions)
Courtnall Skosan (Northampton)
Hendré Stassen (free agent)
PLAYERS OUT
Steven Kitshoff (Ulster)
Marvin Orie (Perpignan)
Ernst van Rhyn (Sale)
Kade Wolhuter (Lions, loan)
FAST FACT
The Stormers ranked first in the URC for offloads (247) and clean breaks (154) in the 2022-23 season.
URC FIXTURES
21 October vs Lions (a)
28 October vs Scarlets (h)
3 November vs Glasgow (a)
11 November vs Benetton (a)
18 November vs Munster (a)
24 November vs Cardiff (a)
2 December vs Zebre (h)
23 December vs Bulls (h)
30 December vs Sharks (h)
17 February vs Sharks (a)
2 March vs Bulls (a)
23 March vs Edinburgh (h)
30 March vs Ulster (h)
20 April vs Ospreys (h)
27 April vs Leinster (h)
10 May vs Dragons (a)
18 May vs Connacht (a)
1 June vs Lions (h)
– This article first appeared in the October issue of SA Rugby magazine. The November issue is on sale now.