Stormers fliers bombard Edinburgh
23/03/2024 18:57
Suleiman Hartzenberg and Leolin Zas contributed five tries as the DHL Stormers claimed a bonus-point victory over Edinburgh in their return to Cape Town on Saturday.
A hat-trick from Hartzenberg and a brace from Zas saw the DHL Stormers thrash Edinburgh 43-21 in the first Vodacom URC game at Cape Town Stadium since December.
We’ve seen this before 🥱#STOvEDI | @Vodacom#URC | #UnitedWeRisepic.twitter.com/YMFRQHnCJD
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) March 23, 2024
It was a much-needed victory for the home side, following the North-South derby defeat to the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria two weeks ago.
Securing a full house of points sees the Stormers temporarily climb into sixth place on the log and close the gap on fourth-placed Munster to just four points.
Aside from the sensational finishing from their two wingers, the major positive for the Stormers will be the performance of their new-look midfield.
Running rugby #STOvEDI#iamastormer#dhldelivers@Vodacom#URCpic.twitter.com/fBJUFACYz6
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 23, 2024
Mid-season signing Wandisile Simelane made his first start for the Stormers and looked right at home next to Dan du Plessis, who produced an excellent showing back in his regular No 12 jersey.
Simelane could have and should have capped his performance with a try, but for the TMO harshly chalking his one-handed grounding off for a knock-on. Still, Simelane made two or three excellent linebreaks and looked dangerous when running off Du Plessis’ shoulder.
Taking a 26-14 lead into the break – thanks to Zas’ second try on the cusp of half time – the Stormers would have been frustrated after handing Edinburgh two tries on a plate. The visitors were all too grateful to accept those gifts, after doing very little of their own attacking in the first half.
However, the Stormers wasted little time in settling any nerves, as Hartzenberg sealed his hat-trick with a predatory finish in the corner, before Evan Roos went over for a double from a lineout.
This guy can't stop scoring. #STOvEDI#iamastormer#dhldelivers@Vodacom#URCpic.twitter.com/VRyhPOm5ED
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 23, 2024
The Stormers next take on Irish side Ulster, who have Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff among their ranks, in Cape Town on Easter Saturday.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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