The DHL Stormers XXIII claimed a comprehensive 50-26 Carling Currie Cup win against the Vodacom Bulls XV at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night.
The bonus point win puts them in position to challenge for a place in the semifinals as the competition hits the final round of action ahead of the knock-out phase next week.
The visitors absorbed some early pressure before striking themselves, as Markus Muller cruised over for the opening try after getting the ball on a platter in the 22 from his flyhalf Kyle Smith.
It was Smith who scored and converted the second try, finishing an impressive attacking movement as the Cape side hit their stride before the forwards got in on the act, with big Herman Lubbe forcing his way over from close range.
The Vodacom Bulls got on the scoreboard when hooker Siposethu Mnebelele crossed from a maul to make it 19-7, but the DHL Stormers XXIII would score two more tries by the end of the first half as a Joel Leotlela intercept was followed by Hooker Vernon Paulo barging his way over between the poles on the stroke of half-time.
Leotlela scores his second early in the second half, but the Vodacom Bulls responded with a double-strike from centre Demitre Erasmus and replacement hooker Jon Hobson.
The DHL Stormers XXIII took the points when they were on offer, with Smith slotting a penalty with 15 minutes to play, which took the lead out to 43-19.
Both teams scored maul tries, with the visitors having the final say as a conversion from Smit made it a half-century.
The scorers:
For Vodacom Bulls XV:
Tries: Mnebelele, Erasmus, Hobson, Maake
Cons: Johannes 3
For DHL Stormers XXIII:
Tries: Muller, Smith, Lubbe, Leotlela 2, Paulo, Basson
Cons: Smith 6
Pen: Smith
DHL Stormers XXIII: 15 Luke Burger, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Cornel Smit, 11 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Ezekiel Ngobeni (captain), 8 Divan Fuller, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Xola Nyali, 5 Luan Botha, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo.
Replacements: 16 Altus Rabe, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Dylan de Leeuw, 20 Eric Basson, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Dominic Malgas, 23 Gino Cupido.
