Stormers edge Sharks in coastal derby

The Stormers showed great composure in difficult conditions to claim a hard-fought 25-22 PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA win against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

The Stormers scored three tries, but it was two penalties from replacement flyhalf Tim Swiel and their composure under pressure at the end that secured the win. That makes it two consecutive wins away from home for the Stormers and sees them move into second position on the standings heading into the bye this coming week.

The home side opened the scoring with a penalty before adding to that with a try from prop Ox Nche, who forced his way over from close range after his team had been awarded a series of penalties in the 22. The Stormers responded with two tries from wing Edwill van der Merwe, which gave them a 12-10 lead at half-time.

The Stormers struck early in the second half to extend their lead as a well-worked move from a maul saw Pieter-Steph du Toit gallop away to score their third try. The home side then scored two quick tries from wing Yaw Penxe and fullback Aphelele Fassi to take a 22-19 lead. However, those were to be their final points of the match as the Stormers showed great composure to close out the win, with two penalties from replacement flyhalf Tim Swiel giving them a three-point win.