The DHL Stormers had to dig deep but ultimately they showed enough composure to beat the Vodacom Bulls by 23-19 (half-time 13-12) in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship humdinger at Loftus Versfeld.
The attendance was the biggest for a Vodacom URC game in South Africa, and they were treated to a master class from the visitors in how to absorb pressure with brilliant defence, and then shift gear when the opportunity presented itself in a magnificent advertisement for the depth in South African derby.
The visitors fought back from 12-3 down to lead by a point at the break before extending their lead to 20-12, but a try by the hosts made it 20-19 before Manie Libbok landed a brilliant drop-goal in the 73rd minute.
Scorers:
Vodacom Bulls 19 (12) – Try: Sbu Nkosi. Conversion: Morne Steyn. Penalty goals: Chris Smith (4).
DHL Stormers 23 (13) – Tries: Marcel Theunissen, Junior Pokomela. Conversions: Manie Libbok (2). Penalty goals: Libbok (2). Drop goal: Libbok.
