Stormers fans must have received a real boost after Super Hero Sunday.
Going into the match against the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium, I’m sure many of the faithful would have been have been disappointed.
Coach Robbie Fleck named a largely second-string side to face their fiercest rivals who were packed with Springboks and starring former Newlands favourite Duane Vermeulen.
Fans must have been paaping after seeing a starting line-up with almost no Bokke in the mix.
But what we saw was a team fired up for the challenge and it bodes well for the upcoming campaign.
Lots of players put their hands up.
No.8 Juarno Augustus lived up to his nickname Trokkie.
IMPRESSIVE: Juarno Augustus stepped up. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
His powerful carries and brave play saw him charge down a Handre Pollard kick and scoop it up for a try.
He and then Sikhumbuzo Notshe showed what they can bring at the back of the pack.
Josh Stander impressed during the Currie Cup and was decent at flyhalf in the match, especially when the play broke loose, with Herschel Jantjies looking lively at scrumhalf.
But most of the good things happened in the pack, where a lot of change is expected at end of the season.
After the World Cup, superstar lock Eben Etzebeth will be heading to France and he will be followed to Europe by prop Steven Kitshoff, who will join Sale Sharks.
All-action hero Pieter-Steph du Toit, named SA Player of the Year yesterday, has also been linked to a move overseas after the tournament in Japan later this year.
And with the Union struggling financially, you wouldn’t bet against him gooing a lange too.
That means performances by the likes of Salmaan Moerat and JD Schickerling will be watched with great interest.
And it means the Stormers’ Bok stars will have to step up their game to get into Fleckie’s side when they face traditional rivals the Bulls again in next week’s Super Rugby opener at Loftus Versfeld.