Stormers XXIII vs Cheetahs: Preview and Predictions 

Round 4 of the 2026 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division heats up as the DHL Stormers XXIII takes on the Toyota Cheetahs on Sunday, 9 August. The Cheetahs currently sit in third position on the log with 11 points, while the Stormers XXIII sit in fifth position with 9 points.  

This comes after the Stormers XXIII beat the Hollywoodbets Sharks last weekend 36-28. They will be entering this match with confidence after their 12-point win. The Cheetahs, however, will be coming in on a low after their 24-21 loss to the Suzuki Griquas.  

So, with both sides desperate for another valuable win, fans can expect an entertaining Currie Cup battle in Cape Town. 

Why This Match Matters So Much   

There’s little separating the teams at the top of the Currie Cup table, making every point increasingly important as the competition progresses. 

For the Stormers XXIII, another home victory would strengthen their position in the top half of the table and could see them move closer to the leading teams. They have already shown that they can be dangerous at home. 

The Cheetahs will have a different objective. After starting their campaign with two bonus-point victories, their narrow defeat to Griquas was a setback. They will want an immediate response and cannot afford to drop another game if they want to remain among the Currie Cup’s leading contenders. 

The pressure should make for an open and attacking contest, with both teams having plenty to play for. 

Tactical Overview  

The Stormers XXIII are likely to look for opportunities to attack with pace and put the Cheetahs under pressure around the edges. Their confidence should be high after their win against the Sharks. Playing in Cape Town gives them another advantage. 

The Cheetahs, however, have plenty of attacking quality of their own. They have already shown their ability to score tries this season, including a 43-21 victory over the Sharks in Round 2. Their challenge will be turning possession and attacking opportunities into points while avoiding the mistakes that contributed to their defeat against Griquas. 

Expect the battle around the breakdown and the ability to convert territory into points to play a major role. 

Players to Watch  

Jean-Luc du Plessis (Stormers XXIII)  

Stormers XXIII’s captain Jean-Luc du Plessis is certainly a player to watch. Playing flyhalf, he’s known for his accurate kicking and ability to control the game from the backline. His experience and composure could prove valuable against a strong Cheetahs side, particularly when it comes to managing territory and converting scoring opportunities. 

TBC (Cheetahs)  

Starting Lineup (Stormers XXIII)  

1. Mhleli Khuzwayo 

2. Vernon Paulo 

3. Herman Lubbe 

4. Tom Barnard 

5. Gary Porter 

6. Xola Nyali 

7. Louw Nel 

8. Divan Fuller 

9. Stefan Ungerer 

10. Jean-Luc du Plessis (C) 

11. Suleiman Hartzenberg 

12. Josh Boulle 

13. Markus Muller 

14. Mfundo Ndhlovu 

15. Dylan Miller 

Replacements  

16. Altus Rabe 

17. Hencus van Wyk 

18. Danie Kruger 

19. Gerbrandt Grobler 

20. Luan Botha 

21. Ezekiel Ngobeni  

22. Kyle Smith 

23. Gino Cupido  

Starting Lineup (Cheetahs)  

TBC 

Match Details 

Date: 9 August 2026  

Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town 

Kick-off Time: 15:00pm  

TV: SuperSport  

Prediction  

This should be one of the more difficult matches to call in Round 4. The Cheetahs have been one of the strongest teams in the competition so far, but their defeat to Griquas last weekend has opened the door for the Stormers XXIII. 

The Stormers’ recent 36-28 win over the Sharks, home advantage, and the return of Jean-Luc du Plessis could give them the edge. 

Prediction: Stormers XXIII to win 

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