Young Damian Willemse handled himself well in pressure game. Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images.
The Stormers’ poor record in Super Rugby playoff matches continued after they slumped to a 11-17 loss to the Chiefs at Newlands on Saturday.
Naturally it’s a sad way for the Capetonians’ campaign to end but they certaintly weren’t disgraced.
Given that they lost 21-60 in the corresponding fixture last year, Robbie Fleck’s troops have improved markedly and can become a force.
But for now, the Chiefs’ superior composure saw them through.
Who was the star in this match?
Departing All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden’s game management was superb but in a dogfight of this nature, veteran flanker Michael Leitch deserved most of the plaudits. The Japanese international was a force at the breakdown and made a massive 15 tackles without missing a single one.
Key moments and themes
Point scorers
Stormers – Try: Siya Kolisi. Penalties: SP Marais (2).
Chiefs – Try: Shaun Stevenson. Penalties: Damian McKenzie (4).
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