Cardiff secured a quarter‑final place with a 22-16 win over the Stormers, booking a rematch in South Africa. The win also lifts them to third in the United Rugby Championship, tightening the race for home‑advantage in the knockout stage. Momentum from Friday’s upset fuels belief the squad can repeat the performance in the upcoming tie.

McNally pointed out that Cape Town sits at sea level and winter conditions remove any altitude concerns. The plan is to train in Wales this week, then fly down for a ‘smash‑and‑grab’ session to gauge readiness. He believes the environment will suit the Cardiff side, allowing them to fine‑tune tactics before kickoff. The squad will also review set‑pieces during the short visit.

The Stormers enter as strong favourites, hungry for revenge after the narrow loss. Cardiff, however, thrive when labeled underdogs; they left Friday with “a bit between our teeth,” according to McNally. Keeping the club in play while many rivals pause gives the Welsh side a rare experience of knockout rugby, and they intend to make it count this season.