Feeding off the positive vibes at the DHL Stormers, hardman Ben-Jason Dixon is excited about another blockbuster North-South derby.
The DHL Stormers are riding high after a thrilling victory against La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup at the DHL Stadium last week and will lock horns with the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town on Saturday in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Manie Libbok’s last-gasp conversion to beat the defending champions in the Mother City brought The Faithful to their feet, and Dixon feels a renewed energy flowing through the camp.
“It’s been a massive momentum shift for us getting that win over La Rochelle because we’ve been on the end of a few tough losses,” Dixon said. “We needed that boost of victory, and it also means a lot for the fans as well.
“When Manie lined up that kick, I could barely look and had to pray! I don’t know how 10s do it! But it’s great having a guy like that on our team.”
Saturday’s clash will be the seventh Vodacom URC meeting between the DHL Stormers and the Vodacom Bulls, and Dixon can’t wait to get stuck in.
The 25-year-old has proven himself to be a relentless machine on defence at blindside flanker or in the second row and is pumped up to be a part of a classic physical battle against a formidable Vodacom Bulls outfit.
“Growing up watching with my dad, I remember a DHL Stormers-Vodacom Bulls game where they wore pink kit, and Tiaan Liebenberg was playing for us, and I’m sure Brok Harris and Deon Fourie as well, and it just inspires you as a kid,” Dixon said.
“The rivalry goes deep, and both teams are so proud to have the history that they have and the quality players they’ve had over the years. It’s really awesome to be a part of.”
He added: “I do love to say I love to tackle, and I am looking forward to the physical battle a lot. The rest of the team is looking forward to it too, especially a good defensive performance.
The DHL Stormers tackle the Hollywoodbets Sharks on 30 December in Cape Town, before a week’s break, and Dixon believes it’s crucial the team continues to maintain their winning momentum.
“From a team vibe it was so good to get that release of a win last week, it means a lot for our confidence,” he explained.
“They say the more you celebrate the better, and we’re going to take that feeling into the rest of the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup season.”