The DHL Stormers are preparing for a daunting Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarterfinal clash in Glasgow, after finishing fourth on the overall table and missing out on a chance to host a playoff in Cape Town, Cape town Etc reports.
Despite a solid win over Cardiff on Friday night, John Dobson's men were unable to climb higher in the standings. Their hopes of leapfrogging into third rested on a combination of results that didn't fall their way - namely, a Glasgow Warriors win over Leinster in Dublin on Saturday. For a while, that possibility looked promising, as Glasgow battled hard and trailed by just five points late in the game. But Leinster held firm, sealed the match with a late penalty, and cemented the Stormers fate.
The result means the Cape side will now travel to Scotstoun Stadium, the same venue where they edged out Glasgow in last year's quarterfinal. This time, however, the challenge looks steeper. Glasgow showed a clear resurgence in form against Leinster, a far cry from the team that was dismantled 52-0 by the Irish giants in the Champions Cup just six weeks ago.
The return of Scottish centre Sione Tuipoluto, who made a big impact in the first half before being substituted, has added firepower to the Warriors' midfield - something the Stormers defence will need to prepare for.
Dobson and his squad will know they face a different beast this time around. With a more confident Glasgow side on the cards and the pressure of playing away from home, the Cape side will need to be at their absolute best if they want to keep their hopes alive.