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Cape Town - The top-of-the-table clash between the Stormers and the Crusaders in Cape Town on Saturday is billed as the Super Rugby match of the weekend.
Video: Sonny Bill Williams in the boxing ring
As the Stormers demonstrated in their 32-12 drubbing of the Sharks last week, they have the killer instinct that has eluded them in the past.
They will need copious amounts of it, however, if they want to earn the silverware in this year's competition.
The Stormers will also go into the match with a new found physicality which is sure to come in handy against the New Zealanders.
The Crusaders' image of invincibility took a bit of a knock in their 26-18 loss to the Highlanders two weeks ago, and with the Stormers set to travel to New Zealand after the game, a win would make their tour a far better prospect.
A win with a bonus point will leave them in pole position on the points table with a game in hand.
There is also the talked up battle between the Stormers and Springbok centre paring of Jaque Fourie and Jean de Villiers and the Crusaders' star centre Sonny Bill Williams.
The tourists faced a last minute setback following the withdrawal of Richie McCaw due to a concussion sustained in the match against the Western Force in Perth last week.
Both teams are without star flyhalves Peter Grant and Dan Carter, which is likely to take some shine off the game.
The Sharks, meanwhile, will hope to get their campaign back on track after they were out of sorts against the Stormers last week.
They take on the Brumbies, who are fresh off a defeat to the Cheetahs, in Durban on Saturday, and the hosts will take some confidence in the fact that the Brumbies are also struggling with form.
The Sharks will need to overcome this hurdle before they can do a proper stock take following next week's bye.
The in form Bismarck du Plessis will be back at hooker after captain John Smit was sidelined with a calf strain.
Du Plessis warmed up the bench over the last two weeks and should be raring to go.
A win with a bonus point would see the Sharks move up to fifth spot in the overall standings.
