Reflecting on the intense rivalry with Boland, Louis Schreuder, who formerly played with the Stormers and Western Province, now competes for the Cavaliers. He emphasized the personal stakes involved in these neighboring clashes.
"I can promise you there's a kind of edge. It’s more personal because they are our neighbour team."
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are bolstering their squad with Ali Vermaak, another former Stormer, who is cleared to play after a concussion. Vermaak replaces Mthokozisi Gumede as the starting loosehead prop following a victory over the Bulls XV.
Schreuder praised Vermaak's extensive experience and readiness for the game, highlighting his years of practice against top competition.
"Ali has a world of experience. I told the guys that Ali has been scrumming against one of the best, if not the best tighthead prop in the world, Frans Malherbe, in training for the last 15 years. He knows his story."
Last week, the Stormers secured a narrow victory over the Griquas, defending champions, by a score of 25-19. Schreuder noted the physicality and tactical cohesion of the Stormers, led by attack coach Dewaldt Duvenage and scrum expert Brok Harris.
This Currie Cup season is heating up with these important adjustments and the intense rivalry between the Stormers and Cavaliers promising to deliver a thrilling match.
