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Springbok centre Jean de Villiers has tipped the Blues to make this season's Super 14 final top four.
The Stormers captain, beaten 14-8 by the Blues in Cape Town on Saturday night, left with a firm belief that Pat Lam's men have what it takes to go on a consistent winning run now they have completed their overseas tour.
The Blues returned from the tour on Monday night and, on Saturday, face the Sharks at Eden Park.
The Blues have nine of their last 10 games inside New Zealand.
"That definitely makes it easier for them," said De Villiers.
The Stormers must play six of their next seven away from home, including difficult matches in Pretoria, Christchurch, Sydney, Canberra, Wellington and Dunedin - what Stormers assistant coach Gary Gold called "the tour from hell".
De Villiers said winning away from home was not easy and the Blues would be up for it now.
"I believe they will be in the running come the end of the competition.
If you go through their team, they have four All Blacks in their tight five, and that will be five out of five when Ali Williams returns.
"Jerome Kaino is another in the back row, and outside him you've got guys like Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko and Anthony Tuitavake. That's a lot of proven quality and experience in crucial positions and it certainly helps with the rebuilding process. If they don't get injuries, they will be a threat."
De Villiers talked of the inherent, sustained challenge any side faces when it confronts a New Zealand team.
"They are also fantastic players with ball in hand and I think they showed that again this time against us."
It is De Villiers' firm conviction that this year's Super 14 will be one of the most unpredictable for years.
"Anybody can beat anybody this season, that is the way it is going."
