The Stormers’ dangerous outside backs proved just too much to handle for the Sunwolves at Newlands last night as the hosts bagged a 52-15 victory.
In a game filled with messy moments and wasted opportunities, especially in the first half, the much-changed Sunwolves proved a better side than the one that took a 94-7 beating from the Lions last week as they looked good with ball in hand and provided a strong contest at scrum time.
But it wasn’t just the outside backs that put up a good show.
Damian Willemse was in top form again with his attacking brilliance and faultless decision-making, while wing Dillyn Leyds produced one of his best performances this season as he ran in two tries and had a hand in a few others.
Debutant Juarno Augustus didn’t have all the freedom he would have hoped for, but he played his part when it came to making tackles and adding physicality.
The Stormers opened the scoring when skipper Siya Kolisi cleverly hacked the ball forward into open space from a ruck on the halfway line, and right wing Cheslin Kolbe chased it down to score under the posts.
Dillyn Leyds of the Stormers heads for the try line during the 2017 Super Rugby game between the Stormers and the Sunwolves at Newlands. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Shorlty afterwards, the Sunwolves got on the scoreboard when flyhalf Yu Tamura slotted a penalty after Stormers No 8 Nizaam Carr was penalised for playing a man in the air (7-3).
The Stormers got their second when outside centre EW Viljoen crossed over after Carr timed his pass well to put the midfielder away. (14-3).
The Sunwolves got a well-deserved try when No 7 Shuhei Matsuhashi broke through and the visitors showed good handling to go wide for Teruya Goto to score in the corner. Tamura converted to narrow the gap (14-10).
Just before half time, fullback Dillyn Leyds beautifully set up Seabelo Senatla’s try when he broke the line out wide and chipped the ball ahead, and the Sevens superstar perfectly scooped up the ball and turned on the gas to score (half-time 19-10).
The Stormers dominated in the second period.
Points-Scorers
Stormers – Tries: Cheslin Kolbe (3), EW Viljoen, Seabelo Senatla, Damian Willemse, Dillyn Leyds (2). Conversions: Damian Willemse (4), Kolbe (2).
Sunwolves
– Tries: Teruya Goto, Takeshi Hino. Conversion: Yu Tamura. Penalty: Tamura.