Stormers coach John Dobson says their 26-20 victory over the Bulls has kick-started their United Rugby Championship (URC) season as they prepare to welcome the Sharks to Cape Town on Saturday.

It has been a topsy-turvy campaign to date for the side, but a European Cup win over champions La Rochelle and a tough victory against a very good Bulls side has seen them gain some momentum.

“I am very proud. It was tense. We had three disallowed tries, so I thought we had enough chances to go clear of them, so that was disappointing. But this Bulls team just keeps fighting,” Dobson said.

“The experience we got against Leicester, even though we lost, and wins over La Rochelle and the Bulls, those are high quality teams, so I feel like we are back. We have some good players coming back from injury. So I think this is the start of our season now.

“This was a high level and great game of rugby. The defence, teams playing with transition, guys not scared when there is a turnover move in their 22m. I think it was a good reflection for South African rugby.”

The Stormers are up to eighth in the URC table, but only four points behind the Bulls in fourth.

“The really important thing for us was in terms of the URC table. If the Bulls had won, we would have struggled to claw back. We want to be in contention for home playoffs and you can’t afford to lose a home game, much like in Europe,” Dobson said.

“If we are to compete with the Bulls for a home playoff or the SA Shield, these games are eight or 10 point swings.”