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Stormers want a 'dogfight' ahead of quarterfinals

The Stormers meet their old foes at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday ahead of a quarterfinal against either the Hurricanes or Chiefs at Newlands the following week.

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After an unimpressive 52-15 win against the Sunwolves, the Cape side are looking to put in a more cohesive performance in Pretoria against a Bulls side that has failed to deliver on the field of play in this year's competition. 

"We know the Bulls are going to be a proper challenge for us and it is going to be there last game at Loftus," said Stormers assistant coach Russell Winter.

"It's typical old derby going up there and we expect nothing less than an absolute dogfight and to be honest it is what we want. 

"We want to go up there and we want to prep ourselves. I don't want to say it is dress rehearsal, but we want to prep ourselves properly and we want to make sure that we are not complacent. 

"We put all the things that we need together for our quarterfinal and there is no one better to play than the Bulls at Loftus.

"On the day, they can beat anybody. We are looking forward to that challenge. It's going to be one that is going to be properly fought up front…I can guarantee that."

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Meanwhile, Stormers centre EW Viljoen is relishing the opportunity to test himself against Springboks Jesse Kriel and Jan Serfontein in the midfield.  

"It is something I am looking forward to," said Viljoen.

"I am going to approach this game just like I have approached the other games throughout the competition. But, I am definitely looking forward to playing against Jesse and Jan if they are playing. 

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"I got lots of respect for them. They are some of the best centres in the world and it is something to look forward to."

With Juan de Jongh back to full fitness and Huw Jones set to be available next week, Viljoen might have a battle on his hands to be first choice in his position come play-off time.

"I definitely want to be first choice. It is something I am personally working on.

"But there is always stuff in my game that I can work on…There is always stuff you have to work on and definitely I am working on a lot of stuff to get my game on point and to be the best that I can be for the team," Viljoen added.

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com

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