Western Province’s Currie Cup season ended in heartbreak when they lost the final 17-12 to the Sharks at Newlands last weekend.
But coach John Dobson and his team can still hold their heads high after a tournament in which they proved that the Mother City has bags of depth when it comes to the oval ball.
Here are some of the guys that will see the Stormers’ damvlakke overflow with talent.
Ali Vermaak
In the final against the Sharks, Vermaak proved that he is no longer a guy that can just be ignored.
A veteran in Currie Cup terms, the 29-year-old has never really stood out with his performances.
That changed this year as Vermaak capped his season by getting the better of Thomas du Toit and also standing his ground against Coenie Oosthuizen in the tournament decider.
Vermaak is like goeie rooiwyn, he simply gets better with age. Watch out Steven Kitshoff.
Sergeal Petersen
After missing this year’s Super Rugby tournament because of injury, Petersen announced himself in style in the Currie Cup.
His form led to a Bok call-up and with Raymond Rhule having left Cape Town after this year’s Super Rugby, Petersen proved that he is the man to step up for the Stormers in 2019.
QUICK ASCENT: Winger Sergeal Petersen earned a Bok call-up. Photo: CHRIS RICCO/BACKPAGEPIX
Herschel Jantjies
With veteran scrumhalf Jano Vermaak a constant injury concern, Jantjies stepped up to wear the No.9 jumper with pride during this year’s Currie Cup.
Justin Phillips and Paul de Wet are also capped at Super Rugby level and with the Stormers looking for a post-Vermaak No.9, Jantjies really put up his hand.
TOP YOUNGSTER: Herschel Jantjies has stepped up big time. Photo: CHRIS RICCO/BACKPAGEPIX
Ruhan Nel
Now a Springbok midfielder after one Currie Cup campaign, the former Blitzbok is making life difficult for the centres at the franchise.
EW Viljoen was Stormers’ outside centre in 2018, but Nel is making a strong claim to oust him from that position.
Juarno Augustus
He probably should have played in the final against the Sharks and not Springbok Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
But Trokkie missed out and we’re sure that will add to his hunger for the 2019 season.
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck has a tough job on his hands to juggle Notshe and Augustus next season.