The Stormers head into their United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final against Cardiff at DHL Stadium with renewed confidence after a turbulent but ultimately encouraging week in camp.

Their preparation was disrupted by a training-ground collision between Leolin Zas and Damian Willemse, as well as illness concerns involving flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.There were also fitness monitoring concerns around No 8 Evan Roos and flanker BJ Dixon, which briefly raised doubts over squad availability.However, the situation improved significantly as the week progressed, with several key players declared fit and available for selection.

Director of rugby John Dobson confirmed relief within the camp after the injury scare eased, noting that the team had gone from potentially missing multiple players to regaining a full-strength squad at a crucial moment.Willemse and Zas are both fit to play, while Feinberg-Mngomezulu is cleared to start at flyhalf alongside scrumhalf Imad Khan.Captain Ruhan Nel returns at outside centre and partners with Dan du Plessis in a highly experienced midfield combination.

Seabelo Senatla also makes a welcome return on the wing after injury, strengthening the backline options, while Ruan Ackermann adds depth from the bench.

The Stormers have already analysed their previous meeting with Cardiff, which the Welsh side won 22–16, and players have spoken about the lessons learned from that defeat.

Nel highlighted the intensity of training sessions and the importance of maintaining discipline, while also stressing the excitement of playing a home knockout match in front of a large Cape Town crowd expected to exceed 30,000 supporters.Cardiff also arrive boosted by returning senior players, setting the stage for a tightly contested knockout encounter.

With both teams strengthened and knockout rugby bringing added pressure, the Stormers will aim to capitalise on home advantage and keep their URC title hopes alive in what promises to be a high-quality quarter-final.