Investec Stormers impress in London

The visitors from Cape Town led 33-14 at halftime, having run in five tries to stun the home side early on. They went on to score another five in the second stanza for a tally of ten in the game. Werner Greeff and David Hendricks both scored two tries.

Rob Wagner, the Stormers chief executive who accompanied the side to London, was delighted with the performance. He described it as the best performance thus far this season, better than the displays in the previous two games – against Boland and the Gwent Dragons.

“It was a good exercise, especially upfront and on defence. The forwards played well as a unit and responded well to the challenge. They got us on the front foot and the backs played well too,” explained Wagner.

“They (the forwards) really stepped up to the mark, but it was a good all-round performance. Wasps tested us in the areas we needed to be tested and I think the guys responded well. I think out of the three games we played this was the best team performance thus far.”

Good news for Stormers supporters is that the only injury sustained during the match was by flyhalf Chris Rosouw, who suffered a minor calf strain. Scrumhalf Bolla Conradie started the game and played one half, with Neil de Kock replacing him at halftime.

It was Conradie’s first appearance in a competitive game this season after he suffered a hand injury at the end of last season.

Wagner said he was happy with the progress the team has made in their preparations. “We have reached the point where we need to be before we play the Sharks in two week’s time.

“The most important thing about today’s game is that we’ve shown that we have depth in this squad. And depth is what is going to count in the Super 12.”

Scorers:

Investec Stormers – Tries: David Hendricks (2), Werner Greeff (2), Marius Joubert, Breyton Paulse, Tonderai Chavhanga, Joe van Niekerk, Gus Theron, Tiger Mangweni;

Conversions: Chris Rossouw (3), Gaffie du Toit (3).

Wasps – Tries: Alex King (2), Wellwood; Conversions: Van Gisbergen (2), King (1).