The Stormers have all the ingredients to be a championships team and will benefit from their most recent signings, according to Springbok great Bryan Habana.

Speaking exclusively to iafrica.com, after formalising his move to Newlands on Friday, Habana said he was looking forward to playing a leadership role as the Stormers aim to win a Super Rugby title for the first time — after two previous semifinal appearances.

However, he was quick to dismiss the notion that, along with fellow Bok Jaque Fourie, he will be the saving grace of Western Province and Stormers rugby.

Habana, who on Friday officially signed the contract that binds him to the Stormers and Western Province till 2011, spoke of the "exciting times" that await the Western Cape faithful once he teams up with Fourie in a team that will be captained by another Bok stalwart Schalk Burger.

"Having played against Western Province in the Currie Cup semifinal [last month] and having experienced the Stormers versus Bulls encounters, there's an amazing culture among these players at the moment," Habana told this website, when asked about his move to Cape Town from Pretoria — where he spent the last five years.

The 'light five' no more, says Bryan

"The days that the Province tight five are the softest tight five in South African rugby are a thing of the past.

"Having seen how they fronted up to us in the Currie Cup [semifinal] three weeks ago you just know.

"There's some exciting youngsters — if you look at Juan de Jonghs of the world, the Lionel Cronjés coming through, Dewaldt Duvenage, who has had a fantastic season.

"Then you look at the more experienced players. Look at the form and manner in which guys like Tiaan Liebenberg, Andries Bekker, Wikus Blaauw, Anton van Zyl, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Pieter Louw and Duane Vermeulen played.

"I think there is a great mix at the moment," he added.

"They are having who I believe is one of the most technically astute coaches in world rugby at the moment in Rassie [Erasmus].

"It is quite exciting and that potential for success is very close — the ingredients are there.

"Jaque Fourie is one of the best outside centres, not only in South Africa, but probably that the world has ever seen. So, yes, the potential definitely is there."

MORE: On Page Two, Habana speaks about his youth career at the Lions alongside Jaque Fourie, whilst on Page Three Rassie Erasmus reveals why he signed Habana...

Can Bryan Habana inspire the Stormers to trophy-winning glory? Leave your comments below on his move to Cape Town!

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