The Stormers clinched an epic derby battle against the Bulls on Saturday to close within four points of their rivals after eight matches, but who will win the 2023-24 SA Shield?
The Stormers made it 7-0 against the Bulls and reminded the rest of the South African contingent that, despite a slow start, you write off the Cape outfit at your own peril as they firmly reinstated their intention of retaining the SA Shield.
Previously, the SA Shield standings were determined by overall log positions and points accumulated in games played, but they were revised prior to this season, shifting focus exclusively to the results of derby matches.
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The Sharks have made a disappointing start to the season, including suffering a thrashing from the Bulls earlier this month. They travel to Cape Town to face the Stormers on 30 December and will have to upset the Cape outfit to keep themselves in contention.
The Lions narrowly lost to the Stormers earlier this season and will be planning an ambush when they play the Sharks early next year, and as they settle into their rhythm playing a second year of Challenge Cup rugby, can they shift more focus to the URC and snatch the SA Shield?
The Bulls will be determined to rebound from the North-South derby result against the Stormers when they host the Lions in round nine of the competition.
Photo: INPHO/Robbie Stephenson