Wilco v Ox: Big scrum battle awaits when Stormers host Sharks

The upcoming match between the Stormers and Sharks in the United Rugby Championship is set to be an exciting clash featuring two formidable scrummagers from South Africa – Ox Nche and Wilco Louw. Scheduled to take place at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, this coastal derby will see Ox, who is returning to his former side after a stint with the Bulls, face off against his former teammate Wilco, who is making his debut for the Stormers.

While both players are known for their destructive power in the scrum, they often find themselves on opposing sides of the scrum when representing the Springboks. Ox, speaking at a Sharks press conference, expressed his excitement about facing a fellow Bok but emphasized the importance of the collective effort in the pack. He stated that while facing a former teammate is a challenge, it is more about the team's preparation and cohesion.

Ox returned from Bok duty recently and made an immediate impact in the URC season opener, serving as a substitute for the Sharks against Leinster. The Sharks demonstrated a dominant performance in the scrum, which played a crucial role in their 26-20 victory over the defending champions, the Bulls. Ox acknowledged that their success in the scrum was a significant factor, as it could result in valuable penalties and momentum shifts.

Deon Fourie, a utility forward for the Stormers, also commented on the potential for a fierce battle between Ox and Wilco, noting that they frequently engage in such confrontations during training sessions with the Springboks. Fourie believes that while the battle will be significant, the two players may ultimately neutralize each other's impact.