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THUNDEROUS rugby from the Stormers over the past few weeks has put them in a perfect position to mark their place in a Super 14 semi-final.

The Stormers felt their last loss against the log leaders, the Crusaders, way back at the end of February. From then on they have charged to victory in their last seven matches, of which four were against tough opposition on foreign soil.

But this weekend's 20-10 win over the Brumbies at Newlands, surrounded by some other favourable results, have brought about hopes of securing a home semi-final, should they continue their winning streak and see the Hurricanes or Waratahs suffer more then one loss over the next two weeks.

Prior to the weekend's match-ups, the Stormers occupied sixth place on the log. But the Waratahs went down to the Blue Bulls at Loftus in a close 16-13 loss. The Western Force also kicked over the Chiefs down under in a heart stopping encounter that the Force won 22-21 with the last kick of the game. Coastal rivals, the Sharks, slipped up in the rain against the Crusaders in New Zealand for a close 18-10 loss.

With the passage open, the Stormers fired through their first half against the Brumbies spectacularly to take a 20-0 lead by the break. Stormers scored two tries, one through captain, Jean de Villiers, and the other a penalty try. Peter Grant converted both and slotted two penalty kicks. Gcobani Bobo was instrumental in both tries, having broken down the line before offloading to De Villiers for the opener, and was held back in a clear scoring position for the penalty try.

Stormers seemed to lack a bit of their flair in the second period, which led to some increased confidence for the visitors and poor performances at the break-downs. But the Stormers have showed improved strength not only in their attack, but also their defence, as they made their lines almost impenetrable for their opponents. The Brumbies broke through eventually for two unconverted tries, giving the Stormers a 20-10 victory.

The Stormers have moved to fourth place on the Super 14 log with 35 points ? one point behind the third place Hurricanes, and only two points adrift of the Waratahs, who they will come face to face with on Saturday in what seems to be their most important match of the season thus far.

The locals will have to step up another gear to control the strong-running Waratahs who will look to bounce back from their loss.

Frikkie Erasmus, commercial manager of the Stormers, said that in the event of injury, it is likely that Ollie le Roux may be used in the Stormers' last two matches in the lead up to the semi-finals to bolster the front row. He also stated that players are required to be involved in four season matches before being allowed to play in the semi-finals, but the rules do provide for special dispensation on application for a player to join the squad in the semi-finals.

Victory against the Waratahs this weekend, as well as a win over the Lions in Johannesburg the following week will give the Stormers the semi-final place they are working for.

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