Champions’ storming second half makes huge statement
The Stormers were understrength, but the United Rugby Championship champions showed just how much depth they have when a dominant second half set up a 31-22 win over the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The Stormers were hit hard by the Lions at the kick-off and appeared to struggle with the switch in intensity after playing overseas opposition.
This was the first derby of the season for the visitors, and the Lions looked set to capitalise on that as they took a 22-10 lead at half-time.
But the Stormers defied the odds, coming back from a halftime deficit to win by completely dominating the second half to add three more tries to the one they scored in the first stanza to notch up a bonus point.
The manner of the Stormers’ win suggested they had learnt from the mistakes made overseas, with coach John Dobson admitting that his men had arrived home from tour a couple of points light.
There were several standouts for the Stormers in the second half, with newly selected Springbok tour flyhalf Manie Libbok getting the man of the match award for the way he and Sacha Feinberg-mngomezulu won the all-important territory battle in the second half.
Though it would have appeared a left-field selection to be the man of the match considering he was on the field for only the final 20 minutes of the match, the real game-turner was the arrival of Stormers reserve flanker Nama Xaba.
Xaba was outstanding in Cardiff last week, but was rested from the starting team in the hope he’d make a difference coming on late.
And what a difference he did make, making a mess of the Lions’ ball and forcing turnover penalties.
Indeed, some Lions fans might have felt the TMO should have been called in to adjudicate when the Lions appeared to have pushed their way over the line.
However, the referee was in a perfect position and he ruled against the Lions’ claims.
When Xaba then won the penalty and the Stormers found relief with the kick, it was a double whammy.
Still trailing by 12, Libbok set up a try for Feinberg-mngomezulu with a little chip over the advancing Lions defence.
The converted try energised the Stormers and they were nearly over again when a long pass bounced awkwardly for hooker JJ Kotze just metres from the line.
But the Stormers did have the momentum and it was after an impressive and long and patient build-up that fullback Clayton Blommetjies ran a great line from close range to score.
Libbok’s conversion put the Stormers into the lead with 10 minutes to go, with Xaba dotting down a driving maul try with four minutes left. SCORERS
Stormers 31 Tries: Angelo Davids, Sacha Feinberg-mngomezulu, Clayton Blommetjies and Nama Xaba. Conversions: Libbok 4; Penalty: Manie Libbok.
Lions 22 Try: Henco van Wyk, Conversion: Jordan Hendrikse; Penalties: Hendrikse 3 and Sanele Nohamba 2.