Stormers coach Robbie Fleck says his side is picking up form at a crucial part of their Vodacom Super Rugby campaign following their victory over the Highlanders.

The Stormers followed up their draw over the Crusaders with another positive result over a New Zealand outfit as they outplayed the Highlanders to secure a 34-22 win at Newlands on Saturday.

That win kept them in the hunt for a potential playoff place in what is becoming an incredibly competitive South African conference, with the second placed Sharks only three points away from the Cape franchise.

Speaking to the media after the game, Fleck said he was pleased to see they are beginning to hit top form as they prepare for their final three games against the Lions, Sunwolves and Sharks.

‘We are going to keep working hard. We want to do well, that has never been in doubt. I felt the win over the Vodacom Bulls was going to be the moment that pushed us through. We came up against a quality Jaguares outfit in Buenos Aires and the boys stayed in the fight there and we had that last lineout to potentially win that game. We know how well the Jaguares are doing on tour, so they are a good side.

‘Last week, seeing the response from the players on the day, there is a different feel about it. Our backs are against the wall, we are fighting hard. In the last 10 years whenevr the Stormers have had their backs against the wall they have been able to deliver.

‘The good thing is that we are starting to finish on a high. That is important. There is belief in the plan and now it is about managing players and getting them fresh for the weekend. The mindset and the plans are there, it is just about getting the bodies ready for the next challenge.’

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