Kitshoff lauds SA leading Stormers' mentality after overcoming off-field tempests

Few would have pegged the Stormers to have surpassed Jake White's juggernaut and MVM money at this stage of the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) but here sit Steven Kitshoff's men atop the South African Shield (conference).

Low expectations weren't only due to the player drain they suffered - losing Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and 2019 World Rugby Player-of-the-Year Pieter-Steph du Toit could easily cripple a squad - but their union's off-field troubles added to the downturn.

While the Western Province saga rages on unabatedly, the Stormers players, some of whom oscillate from WP's Currie Cup campaign to the URC, have shown the kind of fight that makes South African rugby teams thrive in adversity.

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The Springboks are, of course, the archetype of a team quickly written off before winning a World Cup against a tide of low expectations.

Stormers captain Kitshoff gave resounding praise to his players for their spirited season, which could be crowned with an official playoff spot with victory over Glasgow on Friday night (18:30).

They are also in with a great shout for a home playoff position if they finish in the top four, where they are tied on points with fourth-placed Munster and just three away from Glasgow in third.

"This team [has done well] even with our backs against the wall a year ago when everyone was writing us off," said Kitshoff.

"A lot of credit needs to Dobbo (head coach John Dobson), the players' leadership in the squad and players who just stood up and said we are a proud union.

"We have a rich history, a lot of clubs and players coming out of schools here, and we had to defend that.

"Rugby-wise, we've