On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison. South Africa began its transformation. That same year, Natal Rugby won their first ever Currie Cup — a watershed for KwaZulu-Natal rugby. Across the mountains, Western Province had ruled for decades. What followed was 35 years of rivalry that mirrors South Africa's own evolution.
The United Rugby Championship reshaped South African rugby. The Stormers immediately dominated — winning the inaugural URC title in 2022 and reaching back-to-back finals. The Sharks counter-punched with the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2024 and SA Shield in 2025. The URC crown remains elusive for Durban, but 2024–25 is their best finish yet (3rd).
| Season | Comp | Sharks | Note | Stormers | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | SR | 2nd | Lost final to Blues | 6th | — |
| 2001 | SR | 2nd | Lost final to Brumbies | 6th | — |
| 2007 | SR | 2nd | Lost to Bulls 20–19 | 10th | — |
| 2011 | SR | 4th | SF exit | 1st | Topped log, SF exit |
| 2012 | SR | 2nd | Lost final to Chiefs | 3rd | SF exit |
| 2020 | SR | — | COVID cancelled | — | COVID cancelled |
| 2021–22 | URC | 8th | — | 1st | URC Champions |
| 2022–23 | URC | 7th | EPCR CC | 2nd | Lost final to Munster |
| 2023–24 | URC | 7th | QF exit | 5th | QF exit |
| 2024–25 | URC | 3rd | SA Shield ; in progress | 6th | In progress |
Overall trophy count since 1990: Sharks lead 10–7. They won more eras (5 vs 2), reached more professional finals (4 SR + 0 URC vs 1 SR + 2 URC), and have dominated the Currie Cup in the modern era (9 vs 6 titles).
The Stormers hold the single biggest achievement — the URC 2022 title is the only cross-border championship won by either team. They lead the CC finals H2H 3–2 and have produced more Springboks historically.
On balance of evidence: Sharks are the more consistent and prolific trophy winners across 35 years. Stormers delivered the highest single peak. Both remain without a Super Rugby title — the great prize that eluded them both.