DHL Stormers flashback: Super spectacle

Captain Chris van Zyl crashed over for a late try as the DHL Stormers edged the Vodacom Bulls in an exhilarating 2019 clash at DHL Stadium on Super Hero Sunday.

Fans turned up in their numbers and they were rewarded with a spectacle of try-scoring as both teams put on a worthy display delivering a total of nine tries – seven of them in the first half.

More than 45,000 supporters packed into the venue for the Marvel-inspired double-header ahead of the Super Rugby season, with the Emirates Lions beating the Hollywoodbets Sharks 19-14 in the opening match.

The DHL Stormers made an encouraging start and dominated territory and possession early on, but the opening try came from defence as a big hit shook the ball loose for Scarra Ntubeni to pounce on. He surged upfield before finding Seabelo Senatla, who finished with ease.

The crowd were soon on their feet again as flanker Jaco Coetzee broke free and surged into the 22, where he gave the ball to scrumhalf Jano Vermaak who was brought down. Flyhalf Josh Stander hit the ball at pace on a great angle to go over for the second try.

The score went out to 21-0 when winger SP Marais intercepted and raced away, skipping out of the last tackle just short of the tryline and then thumping the conversion over as well.

The Vodacom Bulls responded with tries from Handre Pollard and Ivan van Zyl to bring themselves within seven points.

The DHL Stormers made it four tries in the first half when No.8 Juarno Augustus charged down and collected to score and although the Vodacom Bulls had the final say in the first half with a try from Warrick Gelant, the DHL Stormers led 26-21 at the break.

The Vodacom Bulls took the lead for the first time just after the restart with a try from close range from Paul Schoeman which was converted by Manie Libbok.

The DHL Stormers put together a period of sustained pressure and they eventually found a way through as Van Zyl went over with just five minutes left to seal the 33-28 win.