Ox Targets Scrum Dominance In URC Cape Town Derby

Sharks prop Ox Nche believes the scrum can once again provide his side with a crucial platform when they face the Stormers in a highly anticipated South African derby in the United Rugby Championship this weekend.

The Sharks produced an impressive set-piece performance in their victory over Leinster last weekend, putting the defending champions under significant pressure at scrum time and using their dominance to build a platform for victory.

Nche revealed that the Sharks had specifically targeted the set piece during their preparation, although even they were surprised by just how much success they enjoyed.

“We prepped to be dominant in our set pieces, and we thought the scrums would definitely be a point where we could put pressure on and disrupt them a bit, as well as in the lineouts,” Nche said.

“We probably didn’t expect to do that well because the calls could go 50/50.”

The victory was particularly significant for the Sharks, as they defeated Leinster for the first time in the tournament, providing further evidence of the progress they believe they have made under their coaching staff.

Nche said the Sharks are determined to make the most of their home fixtures and have set themselves higher standards following a full pre-season with their coaches.

“We want to do very well in our home games, and I think it’s been a good focus for us,” he said.

“The boys finally have a full pre-season with the coaches. We have goals that we want to set, and do better than our previous seasons.”

The prop also stressed that the team’s stated identity is intended to be more than simply words on a motivational poster.

“A big focus for us is to be physical, fast, and relentless. We’re not trying to just use it as words or catchphrases. We actually want to apply it.”

The Sharks could also find themselves going head-to-head with familiar faces when the Stormers welcome back their returning Springboks, including prop Wilco Louw.

For Nche, facing a player he regularly lines up alongside at international level adds another layer to an already intriguing contest.

“It’s always exciting when you go up against guys that you play with. It’s a great challenge to play against him, but it’s more about what we can do as a pack and how well we prepare,” he explained.

Despite the Sharks carrying momentum into the clash, Nche expects a highly motivated Stormers side after their defeat to Edinburgh last weekend.

The Stormers have won one and lost one so far and will be playing their first home game of the season, something Nche believes will make them particularly dangerous.

“They’ve won one and lost one. It’s the first game of the season where they’re playing at home, so they definitely want to make their home crowd happy,” he said.

“I think they’re definitely all going to come together and say, ‘we want to protect the good record that we have at home.’”

The World Rugby Player of the Year nominee expects the Stormers to respond strongly and is anticipating a contest against a confident side determined to make an immediate statement on home soil.

“They’ll definitely be up for it and will want to get a win there. They are going to come out and play for a win,” he said.

“We are looking forward to playing against a confident, brimming Stormers side.”