The Stormers put up a battle towards Springbok-powered Leicester.
Handre Pollard scored a 20-point haul as Leicester Tigers survived a surprising efficiency from the DHL Stormers within the opening spherical of the Champions Cup on Sunday.
What was meant to be one-way site visitors for the Springbok-powered hosts, dealing with a Stormers staff product of a combination between veterans and youth, was an actual armwrestle because the guests gave far more than anticipated at Welford Street.
Sensational Pollard
In the end, a sensational efficiency from Handre Pollard – together with a self-converted second-half attempt – guided Leicester to a 35-26 victory, with the Stormers lacking out on what would have been greater than a deserved bonus level.
Regardless of the opening-round defeat, John Dobson shall be delighted with the battle his Stormers facet confirmed, as they took the sport proper all the way down to the wire and compelled loads of errors from the international-laden Tigers.
Composed Matthee
Debutant flyhalf Jurie Matthee produced a displaying past his years, displaying loads of composure by nailing a drop-goal, two conversions and three penalties in his battle with fellow Paarl Gimnasium outdated boy Pollard.
It was the World Cup-winning Springbok who had the decisive contact although, as he threw an unimaginable flat move out vast to place Josh Bassett over for Leicester’s bonus-point attempt, which additionally denied the Stormers a degree within the ultimate play of the sport.
The guests will rue a considerably harsh yellow card to prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko for a sort out that slipped up on a ducking Jasper Wiese, which the Springbok No 8 actually made probably the most of.
Nevertheless, they nonetheless had a late alternative to grab a possible upset win with a penalty 5 metres-out with 5 minutes to play. After the Stormers opted for a scrum, with their lineout creaking, Leicester produced an almighty shove to win a vital penalty, surviving what was the away facet’s final go at a rating.
The Stormers subsequent tackle defending champions La Rochelle, in what shall be their first recreation of the season on the refurbished Cape City Stadium, subsequent Saturday, however will accomplish that understanding they’ve successfully bolstered their depth.
This text first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It’s republished right here with permission.