If the Stormers can beat defending Super Rugby champions the Crusaders on Saturday, they can go all the way and lift the title.
That’s the confidence a win over the New Zealanders will give the Capetonians according to Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth.
Having never beaten the Crusaders in his career, Etzebeth is hungry to do so.
And with five games left to play in the round-robin stage of the tournament, the Stormers - currently dead last in the South African Conference - know they have to start winning if they want to play in this year’s playoffs.
Etzebeth says of the upcoming battle at Newlands this weekend: “It’s definitely the most difficult challenge in Super Rugby, playing the defending champions.
“We know it’s always a tough game - it’s like playing for the Springboks against the All Blacks. But the guys are up for such a big game.
MAKE THE STEP UP: The Stormers take on the Crusaders. Photo: Backpagepix.
“We’re going to have to be at our best to beat them.
“On the day any team can beat any team and hopefully that’s us on Saturday. The Conference is so tight [with the Stormers trailing the log-leading Sharks by five points]. Every game counts and you need to pick up the victories now.”
Of what a victory will do in terms of belief in their squad, he adds: “If we win this game, against the defending champs, that’s one box ticked.
“They’re far ahead in the competition and knowing you can beat the No.1 team, you can probably beat all the other teams. Because they are No.1 and champions, the guys will be fired up and ready.”