Chiefs playmaker Aaron Cruden believes their diet of tough New Zealand conference games will hold his team in good stead in Sunday’s Super Rugby quarterfinal against the Stormers.
The Chiefs arrived in Cape Town after completing a 30‑hour journey, leaving them with five days’ preparation to face the South African conference winners.
Just three of the Stormers’ 15 games have been against teams who have reached the play‑offs.
They have yet to face a Kiwi team this season.
By contrast, the Chiefs have played nine times against playoff qualifiers, with their New Zealand conference games standing out to Cruden.
The Chiefs have played a high‑tempo game through most of the season, with a try tally of 68 beaten only by the Lions’ 71.
The Stormers will face the Chiefs at 5am Sunday while the Lions will host the Crusaders at 2.30am.
In other quarters, the Brumbies will host the Highlanders at 8.05pm Friday while the Hurricanes play the Sharks at 7.35pm this Saturday.
