Stormers go 7-from-7 as Sharks feast on Bulls

Perfection, in results for the hosts in Cape Town, as the Stormers went  7-from-7 in the URC, and redemption, in terms of hope, for the Sharks in Durban, writes Mark Keohane.

The perfect Stormers were imperfect in scoring five league points against the Lions. The Stormers won 34-27 at the DHL Stadium, and the Sharks made it two from two in all competitions in finishing off the Bulls in an intense South African derby in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

The Stormers close out 2025 as the form team in the United Rugby Championship, going 7-from-7 to finish the year top of the URC table with 32 points from a possible 35. Add their two wins from two in the Investec Champions Cup, and the Cape side are nine-from-nine across all competitions, with six victories coming away from the DHL Stadium. No team in Europe or South Africa has matched the consistency, travel resilience, or mentality of this Stormers squad.

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The Stormers’ success is built on a culture that doesn’t crack under pressure.

Even when off the boil for long periods of the 80 minutes, they find a way. Even when the rhythm is disrupted, the leadership and belief remain. This is a team that defends like champions, attacks with confidence, and wins when they’re not close to their best which is the mark of a genuine title contender.

The signing of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu until 2029 is another statement of intent.

STORMERS OWNERS MAKE A STATEMENT

The Springboks’ breakout star of 2025, a Test match general with the temperament of a veteran and the skills of a modern match-winner, has committed to Cape Town for the long term. His presence anchoring the next generation is as significant as any result this season. The future of Stormers rugby looks settled and bright.

Saturday at the DHL Stadium also delivered a moment of significance when Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu met Stormers and Springbok icon Percy Montgomery.

The original ice-cold No 15, whose boot carried South Africa to the 2007 Rugby World Cup, meeting the new face of Stormers playmaking was a passing-of-the-torch moment Cape Town supporters will remember.

But Cape Town wasn’t the only South African rugby city celebrating.

In Durban, the Sharks beat the Bulls in front of a capacity Kings Park crowd, delivering their best performance of the season.

It was physical, composed, and emotional, with Siya Kolisi’s influence visible in every collision and every carry.

Andre Esterhuizen was immense again, imposing himself with the same brutality and precision that has defined his 2025 season for club and country.

Credit also go to JP Pietersen, only a fortnight into his early coaching leadership but already bringing clarity, calm, and a winning edge to the Sharks.

A World Cup winner in 2007, Pietersen’s understanding of big-occasion rugby was obvious as the Sharks controlled the derby with intelligence and impact.

The final weekend of 2025 showcased everything that defines South African rugby: big crowds, powerful derbies, world-class players, and teams capable of beating anyone, anywhere.

With the Springboks ending the year ranked No 1 in the world, and the Stormers ranked No 1 in the URC, South Africa dominates both the Test and club landscape.

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Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images