Cape Town - The Stormers will receive the backing of the majority of South Africans in this year's Super Rugby tournament - if Sport24 readers are to be believed.

When asked "Which South African franchise will you be supporting in this year's Super Rugby competition?", some 35% of the over 12 500 respondents indicated they will throw their weight behind the defending SA Conference winners, while 26% confirmed their allegiance for the Sharks.

A further 22% will be backing the Bulls to add a fourth Super Rugby title to their collection.

The Cheetahs (7%) and the Kings (4%) attracted minimal support, while 6% chose to remain neutral.

The 2013 Super Rugby tournament kicks off on Friday, February 15 with a match between the Rebels and Force in Melbourne.

The Bulls and Stormers will be the first SA teams in action, when they clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday, February 22, followed by the Cheetahs v Sharks in Bloemfontein and the Kings v Force in Port Elizabeth a day later.

HAVE YOUR SAY: What is your predicted order of finish (from 1 to 5) in this year's Super Rugby SA Conference? Who did you predict will walk away with the overall title? Send your thoughts to Sport24.