There was much enthusiasm about the crowds of more than 30 000 that were drawn to the two Christmas derbies played between the DHL Stormers and the Vodacom Bulls in 2022 and 2023 but the turnout for Saturday’s game at DHL Stadium suggests February is an even better month for the face off between the historical arch-rivals.
In the middle of last week more than 35 000 tickets had been sold for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash and by Monday that had swelled to more than 40 000. That’s already more than the 39 000 that turned up for the last Christmas derby against the Bulls, thus indicating that the turnout for that game had nothing to do with the draw of festive season rugby, as was suggested at the time, but rather the draw of matches between these two teams.
The last time the Stormers and Bulls played each other was in the game won by the Bulls at Loftus last March, and that was also a sell out. So, with this week’s game almost certain to be sold out long before kick-off, that’s two sellouts in a row when it comes to Stormers/Bulls derbies, reflecting the interest the South African rugby public has in derby matches.
The Stormers also sold out the coastal derby against the Hollywoodbets Sharks just before New Year, so that’s two derby games in a row that have been sold out in Cape Town, something that is unprecedented in the history of the Stormers. Not even in the memorable 1999 “Men in Black” season, when Bob Skinstad’s team drew massive support, were there two league games in succession that were sold out.
What makes the turnout for Saturday’s game even more phenomenal is the fact that it hasn’t exactly been the Stormers’ best season. The side coached by John Dobson currently sits 12th on the log and will be in trouble in their quest for a top eight finish if they don’t maintain their 100 per cent winning record against the Bulls in URC matches in Cape Town.
According to Stormers wing Leolin Zas, the house full signs going up will serve as extra motivation for the Cape team to get that right.
“It is always nice for us to play in front of a full stadium as it gives us a lot of energy to have such support. We are very excited to hear that more than 40 000 tickets have already been sold,” said Zas.
“Playing the Bulls is always a big game and we know what is at stake for us. At the risk of repeating myself, we do get a lot of energy from the fans and the fact that they are buying tickets after a financially tough January means they believe in us.”
Defence coach Norman Laker said that the interest in the game was also a boost for the coaching staff and increased the pressure on the entire group to produce on Saturday.
“We need to show that their faith in us is justified,” he said.
The Stormers team for the match will be announced on Friday.