Stormers vs Cardiff Predictions - Stormers to come out on top against Cardiff and progress to the semi-finals

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

Brad Newcomb 1 hour ago

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Stormers have won 7 of their last 9 home URC matches.
Cardiff have lost 6 of their last 9 away fixtures this season.
Stormers are predicted to cover the -15.5 handicap in the quarter-final.

Stormers have performed well at home in the URC this season (Getty Images)

The Stormers have been in great touch at home during their URC campaign, often winning. Cardiff have not had the best run of form away from home this season and have never defeated the Stormers in Cape Town.

Stormers have won 7 of their last 9 home matches (URC).
Stormers have won 2 consecutive home games against Cardiff.
Cardiff have lost 6 of their last 9 away fixtures (URC).

Head to Head

Cardiff have a slight edge with three victories to two against the Stormers in five meetings.

Stormers Form

The DHL Stormers finished third overall in the United Rugby Championship standings after leading the way during the early stages of the season to secure a home quarter-final.

The Cape Town-based side finished their campaign with 60 points from 18 matches. They won 12 matches, lost five, and drew one.

The Stormers performed well at home in the URC this season. They defeated Leinster 35-0, the Ospreys 26-10, the Lions 34-27, the Bulls 13-8, lost to the Sharks 30-19, beat the Dragons 29-21, Edinburgh 33–14, and lost 33-24 to Connacht before defeating the Glasgow Warriors 48-12.

The DHL Stormers have been in excellent form at home this season, having won seven of their nine league games, and will relish taking on Cardiff in Cape Town, as they have defeated their opponents twice at their stadium.

Cardiff Form

Cardiff recorded two solid home wins during the closing stages of their season to secure their place in this season's quarter-finals.

The Welsh side finished in 6th place in the United Rugby Championship table with 55 points from 18 matches. They won 11 and lost seven.

The Blues and Blacks have struggled to win away from home in the URC this season. They lost 23-20 to Munster, defeated the Dragons 24-17, and Zebre 29-14, and lost 33-22 to the Ospreys, 21-14 to Ulster, 40-7 to the Bulls, and 21-15 to the Sharks, and then beat the Scarlets 28-24 before losing 40-17 to the Glasgow Warriors.

Cardiff had success against the Stormers in the final league game of the season at home; however, they now face a tough challenge to overcome their hosts, as they have not been at their best on the road this season, losing six of their nine matches.

Team News

Stormers

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has stated that he is happy to be playing Cardiff in the quarter-finals: “It’s probably the easiest of the quarter-finals. If we won in Cardiff, we would have played the Lions and I think we’d be a lot more angst-ridden than we are about Cardiff.

“Sounds arrogant and presumptuous, but I think if I was to choose a quarter-finalist, I would probably choose them [Cardiff]. It’s the first time they’ve been in a quarter-final.

“That’s our job and I’m pretty confident that we’ll do it.”

The availability of Springbok Damian Willemse and winger Leolin Zas will be confirmed closer to kick-off after a heavy collision during training.

Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe has signed for the Stormers ahead of next season.

Cardiff

Flanker Dan Thomas has said that there will be no excuse if his team loses their quarter-final match against the Stormers: “As long as your mentality is up there, your body will catch up, so it’s about turning up on Saturday with the right mentality.

“There are no excuses, this is a great opportunity. How many boys have played in quarter-finals before? If you’re not up for it mentally, you shouldn’t be on the pitch.”

Johan Mulder has signed a new long-term deal to remain at Cardiff.

Verdict

Stormers v Cardiff

The Stormers have played their best rugby at home this season and are tipped to cover the -15.5 handicap in their quarter-final match against Cardiff.