The Stormers got their tour to New Zealand off to the worst possible start after taking a 57-24 beating by the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Stormers looked good in the first few minutes as they put the hosts under pressure, but all that Robbie Fleck’s team could show for their early efforts was a penalty kick by flyhalf Robert du Preez.
The next 30 minutes turned into a horror show for the visitors, as the Crusaders scored three tries through left winger George Bridge, before skipper Kieran Read added two of his own. Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga the conversions to take the half time score to 36-3.
Stormers wing Cheslin Kolbe gave Stormers fans something to smile about when he scored an intercept try after sprinting at least 60 metres, and just as well, because there wasn’t much else to be happy about as the Stormers’ defence was at times non-existent, while the they didn’t show much respect for the ball either and kicked just too much possession away.
Wing Bjorn Basson also crossed the try line for the visitors in the third quarter to give the Stormers a bit of a breather, but replacement prop Michael Alaalatoa spoiled that shortly afterwards when he went over for the Crusaders’ sixth try after a lineout.
Replacement back Peter Samu then showed off his great feet to stay in the field of play after a fumbled pass by Stormers replacement centre Dan Kriel, and sprinted the length of the field to add another one for the Crusaders to take the score to 50-17.
Stormers prop Frans Malherbe scored the Stormers’ third try in the last quarter, but the Crusaders had the final say when replacement back Manasa Mataela added another intercept try for the hosts.
Point-Scorers:
Crusaders: Tries: George Bridge (3), Kieran Read (2), Michael Alaalatoa, Peter Samu, Manasa Mataela Conversions: Richie Mo’unga (7). Penalties: Mo’unga.
Stormers: Tries: Cheslin Kolbe, Bjorn Basson, Frans Malherbe Conversions: Robert du Preez (3) Penalties: Du Preez.