The Stormers XXIII team secured a convincing victory over Bulls XV with a score of 50:26 in the North-South derby of the Currie Cup tournament, allowing them to remain in the race for a playoff spot.
Flyhalf Kyle Smith delivered an outstanding performance, earning Match Player of the Match honors, and helped his team achieve a brilliant win on Friday evening at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Thanks to this victory, which brought bonus points, the Cape Town side has a real chance of making it into the playoffs of the main domestic rugby tournament.
Nevertheless, they will require several more positive results in the final round to guarantee qualification for the semi-finals.
Game Assessment
Judging by how they controlled the ball and dismantled the Bulls, the Stormers XXIII team significantly increased its chances of qualifying when facing the Lions next week in the final match of the group stage in Johannesburg.
Despite the visitors again facing disciplinary issues and conceding game-changing penalties, they controlled most of the possession and territory thanks to excellent set-piece work and strong defensive efforts.
The home team started the match very aggressively and managed to come back closer to the end when the game was practically decided, but they did not offer significant resistance to their opponents in the interim.
Stormers took the lead 19:0 in less than 30 minutes, after the score was 0:0 in the first 15 minutes. These three touchdowns laid the foundation for the victory, as the visitors initially absorbed the pressure after the starting whistle and then began to build a lead.
When winger Joel Leotlela scored a turnover touchdown, securing bonus points, the game was virtually decided, and shortly before halftime, the Cape Town team increased its advantage again, taking the score to 33:7.
Although there was a dip in form in the second half, especially after substitutions, the home team could not organize a serious counterattack. Stormers managed to add another 17 points, reaching 50 points, even while slowing the pace, but allowing the Bulls to cross the try line three times will negatively affect their defensive coach.
Five points were exactly what Stormers needed, and they earned them through brilliant play. They are now within reach of the Pumas before the final round, and one more victory could allow them to overtake the team from Mbombela.
Match Results
In the previous match on Friday afternoon, Griquas secured their home semi-final spot with a convincing 38:14 victory over Pumas. The defending champions can only be overtaken by the Cheetahs in the official table, but thanks to this win, Kimberley will host the knockout match.