Stormers, Sharks and Bulls have an excellent chance of advancing

FOR much of Saturday night, the Stormers looked as though they could secure their dream quarter-final in Durban, with the Sharks struggling against the Scarlets and Leinster unconvincing against the Warriors.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Nevertheless, the Cape side deserve a round of applause for making the play-offs — full stop.

In the first half of the tournament, they were dreadful, languishing in unfamiliar territory near the bottom of the log. Head coach John Dobson was left scratching his head as injuries mounted and his typically potent back division appeared emasculated without playmakers Damian Willemse, Manie Libbok, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu — all of whom missed large chunks of the season.

Then came a horrific front-row injury crisis, beginning with the forced retirement of Steven Kitshoff and ending with the same fate for Brok Harris. In between, there were serious injuries to Frans Malherbe — still some way off from returning — and a peculiar suspension for Neethling Fouché.

Loose forwards Deon Fourie and Ben-Jason Dixon also suffered season-ending injuries.