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The Stormers think the secret to continuing their perfect United Rugby Championship (URC) streak is surviving — and coming out on top in — the initial moments against the Bulls on Saturday in Cape Town, then making a strong impact in the second half of the season’s first north-south clash.

The fiercest competition in South Africa’s sporting landscape is poised for another intense encounter as the long-standing rivals face off at the DHL Stadium (6pm start) in their opening game of the new year.

Their current seasons could not be more contrasting: the Cape team is performing exceptionally well, remaining undefeated in seven URC games and nine matches overall, whileThe Bulls are stuck in a losing streak with their new coach, Johann Ackermann.

Situations at Loftus Versfeld have deteriorated significantly, prompting the Bulls to seek assistance from four Springbok assistant coaches before the derby. Although this has drawn the Stormers’ attention, they have continued with their preparations, aware of the potential threat the ‘always dangerous’ Bulls pose.

Rugby director John Dobson stated that they have no doubt that an ‘underprepared’ team will make it to the Mother City, and they are ready for a full-scale attack.

Dobson’s decision to strengthen his forward pack for the match — benching fetcher Paul de Villiers in favor of the physical presence of Ruan Ackermann — highlights their expectations. He also chose experienced loosehead Ali Vermaak in an attempt to counter the power of Springbok tighthead Wilco Louw, who had a solid scrum performance during the previous encounter between the teams in Cape Town.

However, the two main updates for the Stormers involve the return of Springboks Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu from their injuries. The international players will bring significant strength to the home team’s offense, as well as play a key role with their kicking skills and defensive contributions.

“It’s going to be a significant match, not only for me but also for the other players and the franchise,” Willemse stated regarding the derby as he gets ready to make his 100th appearance in a Stormers jersey.

Important aspects will be the set piece, defense, and kicking strategy. The team that excels in the latter will have majority of the ball control, forcing the other side to defend. We have trained exceptionally well this week and have a good idea of what the Bulls will offer.

Nevertheless, it could vary, and they might choose to run the ball or kick it. We will examine it and adjust accordingly. The Bulls are a powerful team, boasting approximately 16 or 17 Springboks — Willie le Roux with 100 international caps, Handré Pollard who is nearing 100, a Bok front row, and lock Ruan Nortjé as their captain.

That’s some top-tier competition, and form won’t make a difference. We’re concentrating on achieving the outcome. There’s a lot of history behind this match, and we’ll aim to give our best performance.

Dobson mentioned that when teams lack confidence, it’s the Stormers’ responsibility to challenge them. Nevertheless, he is certain a fierce confrontation lies ahead for his team, cautioning that a strong desire for victory can make teams unpredictable.

The team from Loftus will travel to Cape Town with the knowledge that they defeated their hosts last season, which could boost their confidence. Nevertheless, they must deliver a solid performance to overcome the well-performing Stormers.

“Everything will revolve around managing the initial 20 minutes of pressure,” Dobson stated.

If we apply pressure and continue to advance, then that (victory) confidence factor will come into play. This is one of the most significant club rugby games globally and will take place in a fully packed DHL Stadium.

We are aware that we must perform at our highest level during the match in order to achieve the desired outcome.

The Stormers announced that no tickets will be available for purchase at the venue. The gates for the match will open at 3 p.m., and fans are advised to arrive early and utilize public transportation.

Stormers XV

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Ruan Ackermann, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ali Vermaak.

Replacements:16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adré Smith, 20 Ruben van Heerden, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Jurie Matthee.