A Sizzling Saturday Showdown: Stormers vs. Bulls in Major United Rugby Championship Match - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

A Sizzling Saturday Showdown: Stormers vs. Bulls in Major United Rugby Championship Match

3 mins read
united rugby championship stormers vs bulls Cape Town

The Stormers and the Bulls are set to face off in a highly anticipated match in the United Rugby Championship on December 23rd at the DHL Stadium. The Stormers have announced a strategic 6-2 split amongst their reserves to preserve energy levels throughout the match. With over 36,000 tickets already sold and the third tier of the stadium unveiled, attendees are advised to arrive early to avoid parking concerns. The match holds a special significance for Jean-Luc du Plessis, who is gearing up to play his 50th match representing the Stormers.

A Sizzling Saturday Showdown: Stormers vs. Bulls in Major United Rugby Championship Match. The Stormers and the Bulls are set to face-off in a highly anticipated match in the United Rugby Championship. The match will take place on the 23rd of December at the DHL Stadium. The Stormers have announced a strategic 6-2 split amongst their reserves, aiming to preserve energy levels throughout the match. With over 36,000 tickets already sold and the third tier of the stadium unveiled, attendees are advised to arrive early to avoid parking concerns.

An Evening of Anticipation

The evening of 23rd December, a Saturday, is shaping up to be a nail-biting affair for rugby enthusiasts. The United Rugby Championship (URC), always a source of exhilarating competition, announces an upcoming face-off between two formidable teams – the Stormers and the Bulls. The battleground for this prominent showdown will be the renowned DHL Stadium. In a tactical maneuver, the Stormers have unveiled a 6-2 split amongst their reserves, a plan aimed at preserving energy levels and sustaining momentum throughout the match.

Stadium Buzz and Preparations

The anticipation for this event has been palpable, with over 36,000 tickets already finding their way into the hands of eager fans. The overwhelming response has warranted the unveiling of the third tier of the DHL Stadium. Given the extensive crowd expected, attendees are advised to reach the venue early, with the provision of a free MyCiTi bus shuttle service offered to alleviate parking concerns.

Milestones and Team Dynamics

The match holds a special significance for Jean-Luc du Plessis, who is gearing up to play his 50th match representing the Stormers. Despite the unfortunate absence of Warrick Gelant due to injury, the team is far from lacking in skill. Springbok’s Damain Willemse is prepared to shoulder the responsibility of fullback, joining hands with speedy wings Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg. The latter is filling in for Ben Loader, another player sidelined due to injury.

Team Formations and Strategy

In the midfield, du Plessis will be partnering with Ruhan Nel, while Paul de Wet and Manie Libbok band together, stepping in for the injured Herschel Jantjies. This reshuffling of the lineup is a testament to the team’s adaptability and resilience in face of adversity. Rugby as a sport is famed for its physical demands, and the injuries serve as a stark reminder of the grit and determination indispensable to the sport. Hacjivah Dayimani is set to be positioned at the back of the scrum, with Evan Roos ruled out due to a jaw injury. Dayimani completes a formidable loose trio with Ben-Jason Dixon and team captain Deon Fourie.

Adjustments and Additions

The tight five sees a single adjustment, with Sti Sithole stepping in as loosehead prop. The substitution bench is welcoming a few new faces, including loose forwards Keke Morabe and Willie Engelbrecht, scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer and utility back Clayton Blommetjies. The updated team flaunts a judicious blend of experienced players and emerging talent.

Coach’s Corner: Anticipation and Atmosphere

John Dobson, the head coach of the Stormers, expressed his enthusiasm for the imminent game, acknowledging the exhilaration that a match against the Bulls invariably incites. He also made a note of the festive mood, heightened by the Cape Town summer, expected to permeate the atmosphere on the day of the match.

Season Track Record: Stormers vs. Bulls

In the ongoing URC season, both the Stormers and the Bulls have participated in seven matches. The Bulls currently occupy the third position in the 16-team league table with 25 points, while the Stormers linger in tenth place with 18 points.

Team Roster: Strength and Strategy

The Stormers’ team for the URC face-off comprises a formidable lineup, featuring Damian Willemse, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Ruhan Nel, Jean-Luc du Plessis, and Leolin Zas. Rounding out the team are Manie Libbok, Paul de Wet, Hacjivah Dayimani, Ben-Jason Dixon, and team captain Deon Fourie. Ruben Van Heerden, Adre Smith, Neethling Fouche, Joseph Dweba and Sti Sithole complete the starting XV.

The substitution bench boasts equally impressive strength, with Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak, Brok Harris, and Connor Evans ready to step in and maintain the match’s momentum. Willie Engelbrecht, Keke Morabe, Stefan Ungerer, and Clayton Blommetjies complete the list of substitutes.

Awaiting Announcement from the Bulls

As the teams gear up for this high-stakes match, the Bulls have yet to reveal their lineup. Regardless of this, one certainty remains – the Saturday showdown promises to be a memorable spectacle for all rugby enthusiasts.

1. When and where will the Stormers vs. Bulls match take place?

The match will take place on December 23rd at the DHL Stadium.

2. What is the strategic 6-2 split amongst the reserves announced by the Stormers?

The Stormers announced a strategic 6-2 split amongst their reserves to preserve energy levels throughout the match.

3. How many tickets have been sold for the match?

Over 36,000 tickets have already been sold for the match.

4. Who is gearing up to play his 50th match representing the Stormers in the match?

Jean-Luc du Plessis is gearing up to play his 50th match representing the Stormers.

5. How are the Stormers adapting to injuries before the match?

The Stormers are adapting to injuries by reshuffling the lineup, showcasing the team’s adaptability and resilience.

6. What is the current standing of the Stormers and the Bulls in the URC season?

The Bulls occupy the third position in the 16-team league table with 25 points, while the Stormers linger in tenth place with 18 points.

Previous Story

A Toast to Innovation: The Revolutionary Wine Index from Stellenbosch University

Next Story

Cape Town Stadium: Anticipating a Historic Rugby Clash

Latest from Blog

Shores of Safety: How the NSRI’s Beach Camera Network is Changing Coastal Rescue

The NSRI’s Beach Safety Camera Network is making South Africa’s beaches safer by watching six risky spots with live video and trained watchers. These cameras spot trouble fast, helping rescuers jump into action before things get worse. The system respects people’s privacy and brings communities together to protect beachgoers. Thanks to this smart mix of technology and teamwork, more lives are being saved along the beautiful but sometimes dangerous coast.

Clouds Above the Cape: South Africa’s Teen Vaping Crisis

Teen vaping is growing fast in South Africa, with many young people using flavored nicotine vapes that are easy to find and heavily advertised. A big study found that nearly one in six teens vape regularly, and many show signs of addiction, worrying health experts. Vaping has become part of teen life at schools and social spots, fueled by cool images online and wrong ideas that it’s safe. Now, South Africa faces a crucial moment to pass strong laws and teach kids the truth before this habit takes deeper hold. Without action, many teens risk lifelong health problems hidden behind the clouds of sweet vapor.

Reimagining the Strand Street Quarry: Cape Town’s Next Chapter

The Strand Street Quarry in Cape Town is set to transform from a quiet, forgotten space into a lively community hub full of sports, culture, and fun. This special place, rich with history and surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods, will become a spot where people can play, celebrate, work, and connect. The city is listening closely to its residents to make sure the new space respects the past while welcoming the future. Together, Cape Town hopes to turn the old quarry into a bright, shared treasure for everyone.

Illuminations Across the Vines: The Spier Light Art Exhibition as a Living Canvas

The Spier Light Art Exhibition in Stellenbosch is a magical outdoor event that turns a quiet vineyard into a glowing playground of light and creativity. Artists from near and far use colorful lights to tell stories about history, community, and technology, inviting visitors to explore and interact with the shining artworks. As night falls, the farm transforms into a living canvas where light dances, sparks imagination, and connects people through shared wonder. This event is more than art—it’s a joyful celebration of light’s power to inspire and unite.

Cape Town’s New Dawn: Redefining Urban Justice Through “Invested in Hope”

Cape Town’s “Invested in Hope” budget puts nearly R40 billion toward building fairer, kinder neighborhoods by focusing on free basic services, support for pensioners, and job creation. This plan helps people who need it most, giving them water, electricity, and relief from property taxes. By investing in homes and jobs, the city is healing old wounds from apartheid and making sure everyone feels part of the community. Stories from residents like Nontombi and Zanele show how this hope turns into real, everyday changes. Cape Town’s bold steps offer a shining example of how cities can grow with fairness and care for all.