Watch VideoPaul de Villiers relishing biggest test of his Stormers career in Dublin showdown

Loose forward Paul de Villiers has been in sparkling form for the Stormers, but is taking nothing fro granted ahead of this weekend’s URC semi-final against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. Paul de Villiers admits Saturday’sUnited Rugby Championship semi-final against Leinsterwill be unlike anything he has experienced before. TheStormersloose forward is preparing for the first URC semi-final of his career and could hardly have asked for a bigger stage, with defending champions Leinster awaiting at a packed Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

But rather than being intimidated by the occasion, De Villiers says the squad is eager to test itself against one of the competition’s benchmark teams. “For players and for the team, that’s what we’ve been working for all season – to be here and to be playing in a semi-final,” De Villiers said at a press birefing on Monday.”And then, of course, to play against Leinster, which is a proper team, makes it an even bigger occasion.” “For players and for the team, that’s what we’ve been working for all season – to be here and to be playing in a semi-final,” De Villiers said at a press birefing on Monday. “And then, of course, to play against Leinster, which is a proper team, makes it an even bigger occasion.” The 23-year-old has become an increasingly influential figure in the Stormers’ back row, producing another industrious display in last weekend’s quarter-final victory over Cardiff that included two breakdown turnovers, as well as strong tackles and carries. While pleased with his recent form, De Villiers was quick to credit the platform being provided by the forwards around him.