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Stormers tough, but not toughest

Cape Town - Melbourne Rebels skipper Scott Higginbotham denies that South African Super Rugby teams are more physical than their Australian and New Zealand counterparts.

The Rebels are in Cape Town to take on the Stormers on Saturday, and while Higginbotham was full of praise for his weekend opponents, he was not backing down at the prospect of a physical battle.

“Every Super Rugby game is tough and as you can tell from the records it’s always tough to win in South Africa,” said Higginbotham.

“They have a physical forward pack and quick backs to top that.

“But I wouldn’t say that (SA sides are more physical). I think home derbies in Super Rugby are the most difficult out of all.”

The Rebels are a vastly improved side this season from the one that finished bottom of the combined log in 2014. Having already notched up six wins this time out, Higginbotham tried to explain what the difference was between this squad and last year’s.

“There’s a lot more confidence now. Not just confidence in the coaching staff, but confidence in each other,” he said.

“We’re a great group of mates and I think that’s the way we play – we sort of play for each other. The experience and the mateship really comes out when we play.”

The Rebels, who have never won on South African soil, are third in the Australian conference.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 19:10.

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