Benetton vs Stormers Preview & Tips - Benetton backed to continue fine form

This will be the first match between Benetton and the Stormers.

Benetton finished bottom of the Pro14 B Conference last season and will hope for a much improved season in the new United Rugby Championship.

Confidence will however be high in the camp after winning the Rainbow Cup. The Rainbow Cup was played in two divisions, one between European sides and the other South African sides. The winners of the two divisions met in the final.

Benetton won four of their five matches before seeing off the Bulls 35-8 in a home final. The Italians dominated the match from start to finish.

Benetton have not played for some time so they are fresh with no major injury concerns. 

The Stormers, playing as Western Province, finished fourth in the recently completed Currie Cup. That meant they just made it into the semi-finals.

It was a poor season for the Cape Town-based outfit overall. In the semi-final they lost 48-31 away against the Bulls. Prior to that they suffered a 46-25 loss at Griquas and beat the Sharks 35-24.

While their international players are unavailable, the Stormers could struggle in Europe. 

The Stormers have selected new signing, Manie Libbok at flyhalf ahead of the experienced and in-form Tim Swiel.

There is some international experience in the back line with Warrick Galant at fullback and Sergeal Petersen at wing.