The Stormers forwards take on the Sharks defence. Image: Via X.
Stormers stave off Sharks fightback
The Stormers continued their dominance in South African derbies with a victory over the Springbok-laden Sharks at Kings Park.
The Stormers forwards take on the Sharks defence. Image: Via X.
The Sharks suffered more Vodacom United Rugby Championship misery as the Stormers inflicted a ninth league defeat on them by winning 25-21 in Durban.
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They continue to prop up the table with a solitary win from 10 starts this season while their South African rivals remain strong play-off contenders.
The Stormers cruised into an early lead through tries from hooker Joseph Dweba and scrum-half Paul de Wet, with centre Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu adding one conversion and then kicking a penalty just before half-time.
Prop Ox Nche, flanker James Venter and hooker Bongi Mbonambi claimed touchdowns for the Sharks — Curwin Bosch and Siya Masuku (2) kicked conversions, securing a losing bonus point — but wing Ben Loader’s 49th-minute touchdown, converted by Feinberg-Mngomezulu, proved decisive and the centre also slotted a late penalty.
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Sharks — Tries: Ox Nche, James Venter, Bongi Mbonambi. Conversions: Curwin Bosch, Siya Masuku (2).
Stormers — Tries: Joseph Dweba, Paul de Wet, Ben Loader. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2). Penalty: Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2).
SHARKS VERSUS STORMERS TEAMS
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Aphiwe Dyantyi.
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Evan Roos, 6 Marcel Theunissen, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Ben-Jason Dixon, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Wandisile Simelane, 23 Angelo Davids.
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