J.J. Harmse

Pretoria - South Africa’s most successful Super Rugby captain to date, Victor Matfield, believes that the Stormers could win this year’s Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

GALLERY: Super Rugby Round 18 action

Matfield, who led the Bulls to three tournament wins in Super Rugby, said that the Stormers’ chances would have been boosted by them managing to secure a home semi-final.

The Stormers also have a bye this week while the quarter-finals are played.

The Sharks travel to New Zealand for a game against the Crusaders, while the Waratahs head to Auckland for a clash against the Blues.

“It’s frustrating to see other teams in the knockout rounds when you know that you could just as well have been there, but life goes on. I think the Stormers are in a good position to be able to do very well. But I will never write off the Crusaders,” said Matfield.

He believes that home advantage will be crucial.

“I may burn my fingers here, but it will be tough for a team outside the top two or three to win the title. We realised that we would have a very tough task on our hands if we advanced.”

Matfield (retirement), Danie Rossouw (Japan), Fourie du Preez (Japan), Gary Botha (France), Bakkies Botha (France) and Gurthrö Steenkamp (France) have now finished their Super Rugby careers at the Bulls.

“The fact that we are leaving does not mean the end of the Bulls. I think there are enough players here to not just step into our shoes, but also to take the franchise to new heights,” said Matfield.