Springbok Women flanker Lusanda Dumke believes they showed great improvement against Italy despite the 19-23 defeat in their final WXV 2 clash at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.
Director of Rugby John Dobson was thrilled with the way the Stormers delivered on the gameplan in their bonus-point United Rugby Championship win in Italy on Saturday.
A 29-man Stormers squad left Cape Town on Tuesday for a three-match United Rugby Championship tour which will see them visit Wales, Italy and Scotland.
Italy have matched their previous all-time best of eighth in the World Rugby Men's Rankings following their 24-21 win over Wales in Cardiff.
Wales suffered the ignominy of a first Six Nations wooden spoon since 2003 after Italy posted a 24-21 victory over them in Cardiff.
Wales veteran George North revealed that he will retire from international rugby after Saturday's Six Nations clash against Italy.