Five-try DHL Stormers see off Cheetahs
The hosts scored five tries to one to consolidate their position at the top of the South African Conference, winger Seabelo Senatla crossing for two first-half tries and Demetri Catrakilis adding 17 points with the boot.
The DHL Stormers’ other tries came from inside centre Damian de Allende (the official Vodacom Man of the Match), tighthead prop Vincent Koch (like Senatla scoring his first for the DHL Stormers) and replacement flanker Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who showed great feet and speed for his five-pointer.
Koch’s try, in the 64th minute, sealed the bonus point for the DHL Stormers in a near-flawless performance by the host team, who were also celebrating Newlands Rugby Stadium’s 125th year of existence on the night. (READ MORE ON THAT HERE.)
It was the DHL Stormers’ 10th victory of the season – only the Hurricanes have won more matches than them in 2015 – and it could see them, depending on the Lions-Waratahs result, finish the weekend in second place on the overall Vodacom Super Rugby log.
The scorers:
For the DHL Stormers:
Tries: Senatla 2, De Allende, Koch, Notshe
Cons: Catrakilis 4
Pens: Catrakilis 3
For the Cheetahs:
Tries: Prinsloo, Greeff
Con: Pietersen
The teams:
DHL Stormers: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Nizaam Carr, 5 Manuel Carizza, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Oli Kebble, 19 Jean Kleyn, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Huw Jones.
Cheetahs: 5 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Michael van der Spuy, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Joe Pietersen, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Henco Venter, 7 Boom Prinsloo, 6 Tienie Burger, 5 Francois Uys (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Maks van Dyk, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Danie Mienie.
Replacements: 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 Burry Uys, 18 Ewald van der Westhuizen, 19 Steven Sykes, 20 Carel Greeff, 21 Sarel Pretorius, 22 Coenie van Wyk, 23 Rayno Benjamin.
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jason Jaftha (South Africa), Francois Pretorius (South Africa)
TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
