Chris Paterson believes that the DHL Stormers’ style of play is indicative of Vodacom URC title-winners, yet John Smit favours the Vodacom Bulls and Leinster.

Speaking in a media round-table with the tournament organisers on Wednesday, former Scotland Test centurion Paterson tipped back-to-back finalists and inaugural URC winners, the Stormers, for success this season.

He sees the Stormers’ recent form, particularly in their dominating win over Edinburgh last week, as showcasing their championship potential, and highlights their precision, physicality, and execution as key factors.

Notably, he praises the versatility of rising star Suleiman Hartzenberg, who scored a hat-trick of tries at Cape Town Stadium.

“If the Stormers play like that, I don’t think their opponent will have a say in whether the game will be won or lost,” 109-capped Paterson told reporters. “It will be in the Stormers’ hands – if they are equally accurate, physical and their execution is as good.

“I think the Stormers’ style of play is different from the rest. They will potentially have to win a semi-final and final away from home, but I think their desire to win will be very strong.

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“Simply just about their style of play, if they are accurate. If they lose, it will probably be a case of them beating themselves up, in terms of inaccuracy or over-enthusiasm.

“But if they play the way they can, with their Test players involved, I think they can do it.”

In contrast, 2007 World Cup-winning Springbok skipper Smit views the title contest as primarily between the Bulls and Leinster, ahead of a top-of-the-table clash between the teams in Dublin on Friday night.

He stresses the significance of securing home-ground advantage, implying that the team topping the standings holds a significant advantage.

“I like the way the Stormers are playing, but I think it’s going to be between Leinster and the Bulls. That’s why the coming weekend will be so interesting,” Smit said.

“For Leinster it is important to show the Bulls who’s boss on their home ground. I believe that the team that finishes at the top of the standings will win the tournament.”

Photo: @Springboks/Twitter

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Src: sarugbymag.co.za