How Stormers' conditioning toppled the Bulls

THE Stormers’ season has found its second wind, and now it’s about pushing for a home United Rugby Championship playoff for the Cape side.

- JOHN GOLIATH

After a bruising period, defined by three demoralising derby defeats against the Sharks and Lions, John Dobson's men produced a performance of immense character to silence the Loftus crowd with a 32-19 victory over the Bulls.

As the focus shifts to a crucial home run, starting with the Dragons on Sunday (3pm kickoff), the Cape side is finally beginning to resemble the clinical outfit that has dominated the URC landscape at the start of the season.

Key to the revival in Pretoria was the return of the squad’s seasoned campaigners and going back to the type of work-rate that saw them go on an eight-match unbeaten run. The presence of Springbok forwards Deon Fourie and Neethling Fouche added stability in the pack, while centre Ruhan Nel brought leadership and organisation at the back.