The Stormers are on track for a home semi-final in their defence of the United Rugby Championship after an away win over the Bulls.
The Cape side held their nerve at Loftus Versfeld where more than 40 000 fans packed in to watch the latest edition of this iconic derby.
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It was a tough battle where the visitors snuck into the half time break 13-12 ahead before holding on to win 23-19. While no bonus point was secured, the four logs points were worth their weight in gold.
Stormers in control
Why? It allowed the defending champions to move 13 points clear of the Bulls in the South African shield. Not only did they take bragging rights but they also moved to 54 points on the table and 10 points clear of third-placed Ulster.
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The Irish team lost 17-11 to Glasgow Warriors this weekend. What it means is that the Stormers now have all the cards they need to navigate their remaining league games in the URC with one eye on their knockout game with the Harlequins in the Champions Cup.
What lies ahead for the Cape franchise
A coastal derby against the Sharks, who seem to be eyeing Champions Cup glory over the URC, will be played on 4 March. A win in that contest and the Stormers might just rest many of their stars for the trip to Ireland to face Leinster, who are seven clear at the top of the URC log, on 24 March.
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The Stormers host Harlequins on 1 April and they could be very fresh for that contest which will boost their chances even more.
On Saturday, 15 April Irish side Munster visit Cape Town before a trip to Stellenbosch on Friday, 21 April where they host Benetton. In what has been a long season across two competitions with Springboks in and out of duty, the win over the Bulls means they can keep safely onto second spot (and the home semi-final that comes with it) without needing to at full strength for every match.
The defending champions appear to be in a very good place at present.
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