Pumas vs Stormers XXIII: Preview and Predictions 

Round 5 of the 2026 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division heats up as the Airlink Pumas take on the DHL Stormers XXIII on Saturday, 15 August. The Pumas currently sit in fourth place in the log with 12 points, while the Stormers XXIII sits in sixth place with 11 points. With one point difference between these two sides, expect a closely contested match.  

The Pumas come into this match with confidence after winning their last two games. Their most recent win against the Vodacom Bulls XV was a close one. This win, and the victory over the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers comes after two back-to-back losses.  

The Stormers come into this match on a low after their loss against the Toyota Cheetahs last weekend. This comes after a win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks. They have been inconsistent this season with two wins and two losses.  

Why This Match Matters So Much   

With only one point separating the sides on the Currie Cup log, this match could have a major impact on the race for a place in the upper half of the standings. A victory for either team would provide a valuable boost heading into the second half of the campaign. 

For the Pumas, another win would strengthen their position in fourth place and continue their recent momentum. Playing at home also gives them an opportunity to put pressure on the Stormers XXIII. 

The Stormers XXIII will have a similar motivation. A win could see them climb the standings and close the gap on the leading sides, while another defeat could leave them struggling to keep pace. Expect both teams to approach this fixture with plenty of intensity. 

Tactical Overview 

The Pumas are likely to look to their recent form and home advantage as they attempt to control the match. Their back-to-back victories should give them confidence. 

The Stormers XXIII will need to improve after their defeat to the Cheetahs. Their challenge will be to maintain consistency for the full 80 minutes and avoid allowing the Pumas to build momentum. If they can apply pressure at set pieces and make the most of their attacking opportunities, they could make life difficult for the home side. 

With both teams closely matched on the log, discipline, territory and execution could ultimately decide the result. 

Players to Watch  

Nevaldo Fleurs (Pumas)  

Playing a key role in the Pumas’ recent wins, Nevaldo Fleurs is certainly a player to watch. The fly-half produced a 15-point performance against the Boland Kavaliers, scoring a try, two conversions and two penalties to help his side secure a 20–15 win. With his goal-kicking ability and attacking threat, Fleurs could once again prove decisive against the Stormers XXIII. 

Wandile Mlaba (Stormers XXIII)   

Although the Stormers XXIII lost last weekend, Wandile Mlaba was instrumental in them keeping pace with the Cheetahs. He crossed the try line twice. His physicality and ability to get involved around the try line could make him a key figure for the Stormers in Nelspruit. 

Starting Lineup (Pumas)  

1. Etienne Janeke 

2. Chyle can Zyl 

3. Sampie Swiegers 

4. JJ Scheepers 

5. Tiaan de Klerk 

6. Thabo Ndimande 

7. Ruwald van der Merwe 

8. Willie Engelbrecht (C) 

9. Thomas Bursey 

10. Nevaldo Fleurs 

11. Banie Britz 

12. Wian van Niekerk 

13. Sango Xamlashe 

14. Alfondso Isaacs 

15. Tino Swanepoel  

Replacements  

16. Jan-Henning Campher 

17. Zukisa Sali 

18. Junior Banda 

19. Andre Goedhals 

20. De Wet Marais 

21. Russwill Fredricks 

22. Jaycee Nel 

23. Darren Adonis  

Starting Lineup (Stormers XXIII)  

1. Mhleli Khuzwayo 

2. Vernon Paulo 

3. Herman Lubbe 

4. Tom Barnard 

5. Gary Porter 

6. Keke Morabe 

7. Louw Nel 

8. Wandile Mlaba 

9. Stefan Ungerer 

10. Jean-Luc du Plessis (C) 

11. Mfundo Ndhlovu 

12. Cornel Smit 

13. Markus Muller 

14. Joel Leotela 

15. Dylan Miller 

Replacements  

16. Altus Rabe 

17. Hencus van Wyk 

18. Danie Kruge 

19. Luan Botha 

20. Xola Nyali 

21. Ezekiel Ngobeni 

22. Kyle Smith 

23. JC Mars  

Match Details 

Date: 15 August 2026  

Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit 

Kick-off Time: 17:00pm  

TV: SuperSport  

Prediction  

This looks like one of the tougher fixtures to call in Round 5. The Pumas have the advantage of playing at home and arrive on the back of two consecutive victories, but the Stormers XXIII have enough quality to make this a competitive contest. 

With just one point separating the teams on the log, expect a closely fought battle that could go down to the wire. 

Prediction: Pumas to win 

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