There is an air of composure hovering over the Stormers camp as they set about the task of fine-tuning their attempt to snatch the Super 14 crown from the Bulls in Soweto on Saturday.
The Cape franchise have of late generously applauded the Bulls' standing as the "best side in the Southern Hemisphere".
However, they have not allowed it to cloud their composed disposition which has been fashioned by several comprehensive victories, underpinned by excellent defence, leading up to the final on Saturday.
Australia's Waratahs were the last team at the receiving end of the Stormers' much vaunted defence, which week in and week out has proved to be matchless in the annals of Super 14 rugby.
The Waratahs' captain Phil Waugh, and coach Chris Hickey, both acknowledged the Stormers have the ability to absorb pressure spells with guarded restraint and the pressure they exert on defence makes the opposition prone to indiscretions.
Any North versus South derby is accompanied by traditional fierce rivalry but Saturday's clash also brings with it the grandeur that the Super 14 crown will be on offer for the last time, as the competition will be an expanded to a Super 15 next season.
Each of the finalists bring along their unique match winning capabilities which have made them the best 2010 Super 14 teams.
But the Bulls will run out buoyed by home ground advantage at the Orlando Stadium, which apparently pampered their egos to great effect after they were forced out from their Loftus fortress.
And by the sound of things the Bulls faithful have embraced the plastic horn of SA soccer, the vuvuzela, which struck a rich chord in helping to create an intimidating atmosphere for the visiting Crusaders from New Zealand in the semi-final last week.
The transformation of Orlando Stadium as the Bulls' new fortress and the terrors that it holds for visiting teams have been well documented, but it has merely served to steel the resolve of the Cape side.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee, said last week's fare in Soweto has not raised fears in his camp.
"In the (Stormers) team we have a saying that allows us to block out external factors and we will embrace the occasion," said Coetzee.
"It is a Super 14 final and it is between two South African teams and whatever else comes with that - vuvuzelas and excitement - well, we will embrace it.
"Vuvuzelas can't hurt you. Yes, it can make a noise, but it can't tackle you."
It is likely it will be vuvuzela prime time for the Bulls' fans when the Stormers' kicker-in-chief Peter Grant lines up his attempts from the tee. But Coetzee says his flyhalf is prepared for the distraction attempts.
"Goalkickers know the pressures that come with the job and know they need to focus on kicking the ball through the posts," said Coetzee. "Peter has showed he can handle pressure."
Grant has had a taste of well orchestrated distraction at kicking time when the Stormers played the Chiefs in New Zealand.
At Waikato Stadium supporters rang cowbells and revved up chainsaws as he was setting up his place-kick efforts but it did not deter Grant who was on target with eight attempts out of 10 in his side's 49-15 win on the day.
Coetzee has emphasised a big challenge will be to live with the pressure of the occasion.
"This is a very, very good Bulls team and the key is not to get rattled," said Coetzee.
"That's what happened to the Crusaders. We saw how good players like Colin Slade, Sean Maitland and Dan Carter knocked the ball on - all mistakes because of the pressure.
"You have got to deal with that pressure - the Bulls never allow you to just run without pressure."
The Bulls' kicking game engineered by halfbacks Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn has also given the Stormers much food for thought.
Coetzee said these two players offer the Springboks the same attacking weapon and international opposition such as the All Blacks have battled to contain it.
"They have good kickers in Fourie du Preez, Morne Steyn and Zane Kirchner," said Coetzee.
"They launch high kicks and chase very well. "You have to look at ways to play in their half because they have such good kickers.
"The Bulls kick longer than any other team - the ball travels further on the Highveld, and it travels higher too. It's quite intimidating if you stand and wait for the up-and-under to come down.
"If you cannot handle the Bulls' aerial attack then it will be very difficult for you.
"Most Super 14 teams could not handle it - not even the All Blacks last year when Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn played for the Boks against them."
Coetzee added one thing he was pleased with was the fact he knows what to prepare for. He said many of the Stormers play with the Bulls in the national team and also former Bulls stalwart Bryan Habana, offered valuable input.
"We know their plans and mentality," said Coetzee. "That gives us a better chance of being competitive against them but I think we have really done well and the job is 50 percent done."
