The Sharks arrive in Cape Town after winning their opening two league matches, including a 26–20 victory over defending champions Leinster. Their strong start has raised expectations ahead of a derby that could provide an early indication of their competitiveness this season.
Lemmer believes the contest will be particularly intense in the scrum, where players who regularly meet in Springbok training will now face each other in opposing colours.
Lemmer expects a fierce scrum battle
The Sharks scrum coach described the encounter as a contest between familiar opponents who know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“It’s definitely going to be a massive battle this week, it’s like two big brothers taking each other on at scrum time,” Lemmer said.
He added that dominating the set piece would be an important factor in determining the outcome.
The Sharks have shown encouraging form in the scrum and lineout during their opening fixtures, and Lemmer stressed that maintaining their standards would be essential against a powerful Stormers pack.
He also acknowledged the importance of the derby beyond the immediate result, pointing to the league points and team confidence at stake.
Springboks strengthen Sharks line-up
Head coach JP Pietersen has brought three prominent Springboks into the starting XV after they featured off the bench in the victory over Leinster.
Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker are among the players selected to start against the Stormers, giving the Sharks additional international experience for their first away match of the campaign.
Captain Andre Esterhuizen will lead the side, while the selection also features Phepsi Buthelezi at No. 8 and Matt Romao at openside flank.
The Sharks have opted for a six-forwards, two-backs split on the bench, providing additional options for the physical exchanges expected during the closing stages.
Etzebeth’s selection also carries a personal storyline: if he takes the field, it will be his first appearance against the Stormers, the club where he began his professional career before moving to Toulon and subsequently joining the Sharks.
Stormers seek response after Edinburgh defeat
The Stormers enter the derby looking to recover from their recent defeat to Edinburgh in Scotland.
Head coach John Dobson has described the fixture as having a Test-match feel, citing the number of international players involved and the anticipated contest between the two forward packs.
The Stormers will also have the backing of their home supporters at DHL Stadium, where ticket sales had surpassed 30,000 ahead of the match.
Dobson has emphasised the importance of securing a result against a direct South African rival as the team looks to build a stronger position early in the URC season.
Sharks aim to maintain perfect start
The Sharks have won their first two matches, defeating the Ospreys 41–24 before edging Leinster 26–20. Another victory would extend their winning run to three games and reinforce their early-season momentum.
However, the Stormers present a different challenge, particularly with their forward depth and home advantage.
The clash is scheduled for Saturday, 10 October, at 16:00 South African time at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
With both sides featuring experienced Springboks and seeking valuable early-season points, the scrum battle and the ability to sustain physical intensity could prove decisive in this eagerly anticipated coastal derby.