While they are missing some key Springboks for their United Rugby Championship coastal derby against the Sharks tomorrow, the Stormers still possess quality players who can inspire them to victory.
Their set-pieces and defence will be critical at Kings Park (5pm start), while the backline will have to spark and strike when points are on offer.
We looked at five players who could play an important role for the Cape side...
Neethling Fouché
If the experienced tighthead is named as the starter, as expected, his primary task will be to put Bok Ox Nche under immense pressure in the scrums.
Nche has been feasting on his opponents this year, at the international level too, so Fouché will be in for a tough day if he allows the Bok No 1 to get under him.
The carries of the burly prop and his breakdown play will also be crucial on attack and defence.
Brok Harris
In the absence of Steven Kitshoff, the veteran has not put a foot wrong, whether he starts or plays off the replacement bench. To counter the prowess of Springbok tighthead Vincent Koch, the Stormers need to start Harris, especially because the other loosehead, Sti Sithole, is injured too.
At 39, Harris still gets around the park and is not shy to put his body on the line for his side. His experience could be crucial to try and stop the Sharks’ scrum and international front row.
JD Schickerling
It would’ve been a spectacle seeing him go up against Eben Etzebeth, but the Stormers lock will have to wait for that battle.
Schickerling will have his hands full, though, when it comes to the defensive side of things. The Sharks have a bunch of powerful forwards, and it will take some strong and accurate tackling to keep them in check.
The versatile lock will be crucial to his side’s defensive effort if he starts, and be the primary option in the lineouts.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
There is anticipation for the return of the prodigious utility back and what he will bring on the attack against some of his Bok teammates.
The Stormers have missed his influence at the start of the season, but he has been back in training this week and is available to play.
The headache now is where he fits in, with coach John Dobson announcing his team today: at flyhalf, centre or fullback?
And if Bok flyhalf Manie Libbok features, who will be on the bench between the duo and fullback Warrick Gelant?
Ruhan Nel
In the previous match, Nel played on the wing against the Glasgow Warriors, but to stop the attack of the Sharks backline, he must be back at outside centre, especially facing the Springbok centre pair of André Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am.
Nel’s defensive reads are excellent, and he knows how to smother attacks.
But his partnership with captain Dan du Plessis will be equally important to get the Stormers’ attack going.