WELLINGTON – Stormers XXIII coach Tom Dawson-Squibb says his side will enter Sunday’s Currie Cup clash against the Boland Cavaliers as underdogs despite opening their campaign with a victory.

The Cape side beat defending champions Griquas in the dying moments of a thrilling encounter at Cape Town Stadium last weekend, but now face a difficult away fixture at Boland Stadium.

Boland also started their season with a win, defeating the Bulls XV, and Dawson-Squibb acknowledged the challenge awaiting his team.

“It’s an awesome challenge. We’re going into our second match as underdogs,” Dawson-Squibb told reporters after naming his team on Thursday.

“They beat the Bulls, and they beat us in a friendly. It’s on their home paddock in front of a passionate crowd. We know our backs are against the wall and that Boland are favourites.”

With captain Jean-Luc du Plessis sidelined through injury, veteran scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer will lead the side on Sunday.

“It’s a huge honour and privilege to captain the side,” Ungerer said. “We’ve got a strong leadership group, with plenty of experience up front and a few senior guys in the backs as well. It’s very much a shared responsibility, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Ungerer said he expects a stern test from the hosts if the Stormers are to make it two wins from two.

“I watched quite a few of Boland’s Currie Cup games last year, and it’s special to see what’s been building there,” he said.

“Club rugby in the Boland and Wellington area is massive, and the support they’ve received has filtered through into the rugby they’re playing and the results they’re getting. We’re well aware of the challenge that awaits us on Sunday.”

The match kicks off at 15:00 on Sunday. – Kickoff