Stormers face a big test of their title credentials

The Stormers are set for a big test of their United Rugby Championship (URC) title credentials when they welcome Ulster to the Cape Town Stadium this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The Stormers have been the form South African team this year and have moved comfortably into the top half of the table, with the top eight going on to contest the play-offs, and it will get a good indication of where they stand against one of the competition favourites.

Ulster, along with Leinster, are the in-form teams in the URC so far, with both Irish sides winning 10 and losing three of their 13 games, with Leinster top of the table and Ulster just a point back in second.

Ulster proved that they will be serious contenders for the title when they beat Leinster two weekends ago and now with their Irish internationals back and a familiar face in former Stormers and Bulls Bok star Duane Vermeulen in their line-up, they will be chasing an away win against the hosts.

“We understand the quality outfit that Ulster is, the type of players they have and how well they are drilled and coached. So it is going to be an exciting one,” said Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff (below).

“With a 3pm kick-off it’s going to be nice and dry and there is going to be a lot of action. We have had a great week’s preparation, so we know it is going to be a tough one but we are mentally ready for the challenge.”

Despite the fact that Ulster bring a different challenge to what the Stormers have faced over the past few months, coach John Dobson insists that they just want to keep building on their brand of rugby and won’t be looking to change much against the visitors.

“I think this match is about trying to play as much of the rugby we want to play. I think if we want to differentiate ourselves and have an x-factor we have to play our game,” explained Dobson.

“The (favourable) conditions South African teams have had in the last few weeks is one of the reasons why we are eight from eight in SA games.

“So we want to play the style that we are developing and we just want to play it better.”