Two tries from Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy gave the visitors a 10-8 half-time lead with the Stormers failing to convert chances into points. Stormers number eight Evan Roos did manage to cross the whitewash in between Hardy’s tries, with fly-half Jurie Mathee succeeding with a first-half penalty for the hosts.

The men from Cape Town, however, came back with a bang in the second half. Mathee added two more penalties with the boot and secured a 14-10 lead. Two more tries for the hosts – by centre Wandisile Simelane and flanker Paul de Villiers – put them in front by 26-10 with nine minutes to go. 

Earlier on Friday, the Dragons and Sharks fought it out in Newport, in a 17-all draw in inclement conditions.  The first points were scored within the first ten minutes of the match, first by Sharks and Springbok lock Marvin Orie, and then by Dragons and Wales international, number 8 Aaron Wainwright, to level the score 7-all.

The match in Newport was played in harsh weather conditions. Photo: Facebook/Dragons RFC

The Sharks’ Jean Smith was on a target with a penalty in the 19th minute to take the lead again, but backline player Angus O’Brien responded with a try to give the Dragons a 14-10 lead.  

Sharks captain Vincent Tshituka managed to squeeze in another try half-time, to take the score to 17-14 at the break.  The score stayed that way through the second half, until Dragons flyhalf Thinus de Beer eventually levelled the score.

Next weekend, the Stormers will be in Wales to take on Scarlets, while the Sharks take on defending URC champions Leinster.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cvs