Stormers centre JJ Engelbrecht believes they have what it takes to beat the Crusaders at Newlands on Saturday.
While things haven’t gone their way in this year’s Super Rugby campaign, the 30-year-old is hopeful that their plan finally comes together when they face the defending champions in front of the Newlands faithful.
At the bottom of the South African Conference after only four wins in 11 matches, it could so easily have been neusie verby for the Stormers.
But they only trail Conference leaders the Sharks by five points and Engelbrecht believes that, with five games to play, they can still catch the Durbanites.
He says of the upcoming encounter: “It’s not a make or break game for us, but definitely one we really want to win.
“A win will be great having five games left - we spoke about doing something great.”
Doing “something great” against the defending champions will be a major boost to the squad’s confidence.
UNDER PRESSURE: Boss Fleck. Photo: Daniel Pockett/EPA.
In 20 matches against the Crusaders, the Stormers have only beaten the Kiwi side four times.
And they have to turn the clock back to 2010 for the last time they tasted victory against them - a 42-14 win at Newlands.
While it won’t be easy to repeat that feat, Engelbrecht says they believe they can produce a miracle.
He says: “We’re very motivated - we want to play well and win, no matter who we’re playing.
“By no means do we think it’s going to be easy, but we believe we can win.”
For that to happen, Engelbrecht, if he starts at outside centre like he did against the Jaguares in their last match, will have to be at his best organising the defence.
MUST UP THEIR GAME: Damian Willemse and his Stormers teammates. Photo: Backpagepix.
The 30-year-old knows this and adds: “It will be a very good game.
“And if you give your best, only good things will happen.
“Defence is always important, especially against the Crusaders, they like to play a running game.
“The last two or three games our defence has been pretty good.”