John Dobson’s underdog DHL Stormers are ready to fight out of a corner when they tackle the Springbok-laden Sharks in Durban.

The Stormers have had a tough start to their 2024-25 campaign, with a record of three losses in their first five matches to place them 13th on the log.

Dobson’s side faces a powerful Sharks team that boasts nine Springboks, including Bok captain Siya Kolisi. Asked about the quality of the opposition, Dobson outlined how his team can rise to the challenge.

“We’ve got three really important URC local derbies over the next five weeks, this is the toughest team on paper, a Springbok-laden Sharks team, playing in front of a tough crowd. We are going to have to stand up physically and get into them and put them under pressure.

“There is a lot of quality all over the park, we have to make sure we don’t make it too comfortable for them and give them time, this is a game not a lot of people are expecting us to win but we are desperate and I think we have some nice plans.”

The Stormers habe been bolstered by the return of flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, but are missing several other Boks.

Despite the injuries, Dobson believes the Stormers can make a statement on Saturday.

“We are going to throw everything at it, it’s a good Stormers side despite the absences of Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Evan Roos and Damian Willemse.

“We’ve worked really hard for this game, people speak about a record that the Sharks have not beaten us in the URC but there is a dollop of reality in that stat.

“The Sharks have a lot of Springboks out there, it’s a big occasion for them, we’d love to win, but more has to be said on the field than the press conference.

“We are good with our backs against the walls, that’s how we’ve fought our way in this competition, we really have got dog and fight in us and it’s going to be one of those classics, you’ve got a feeling the Stormers are going to fight and we are going to empty the tank out there.”

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images