Sharks dominate Stormers to claim historic URC victory at DHL Stadium

THE HOLLYWOODBETS Sharks produced one of their most complete performances of the Vodacom URC season to secure a 30-19 win over the DHL Stormers at a sold-out DHL Stadium on Saturday evening.

It was the Sharks’ first URC victory over the Stormers in Cape Town and ended their long wait for a win at the venue, while also handing the hosts their first defeat of the URC campaign this season.

From the opening exchanges, the visitors were sharper and more disciplined. The Stormers made a series of early errors in their own half, and the Sharks capitalised with a driving maul try to Jason Jenkins after just seven minutes.

Jordan Hendrikse converted from touch, and although the Stormers briefly responded by regathering the kick-off and working skipper Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu through a gap to set up Damian Willemse, the Sharks quickly reasserted control.

Early control and set-piece dominance

A long kick from the Sharks exposed space out wide, allowing Jaco Williams to finish after a cross-field kick, stretching the lead to 14-5. Hendrikse added a penalty soon after to make it 17-5 as the Stormers struggled to settle.

While the hosts showed flashes of their attacking threat late in the first half, they were unable to sustain pressure. Feinberg-Mngomezulu created another opening with a quick tap that led to Willemse’s second try, cutting the deficit to 17-12 heading into the break.

Before the match, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson had acknowledged the challenges of playing at home, saying: “Maybe we feel too much pressure (to entertain) when we play at home”.

That pressure showed again after halftime, as the Stormers’ error count increased and their normally reliable set-piece faltered.

Sharks punish Stormers mistakes

The Sharks’ forward pack began to dominate proceedings, particularly at maul time. After a period of sustained pressure near the Stormers’ line, replacement lock Salmaan Moerat was yellow-carded, and the visitors immediately took advantage with another maul try, this time from Phepsi Buthelezi.

Despite several entries into the Sharks’ 22 in the second half, the Stormers were unable to convert territory into points. Their own maul failed to function effectively, and repeated lineout issues disrupted attacking momentum.

The Sharks, by contrast, remained composed. André Esterhuizen crossed for their fourth try in the closing stages, again from close range, securing a bonus point and effectively ending the contest.

Hendrikse finished with two conversions and two penalties, while Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted once for the Stormers.

The result leaves the Stormers with work to do ahead of next week’s return fixture in Durban, while the Sharks head home with confidence after a performance built on accuracy, discipline and forward dominance.

Scores

DHL Stormers 19

Tries: Suleiman Hartzenberg, Damian Willemse, Penalty try. Conversion: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Hollywoodbets Sharks 30

Tries: Jason Jenkins, Jaco Williams, Phepsi Buthelezi, Andre Esterhuizen. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (2). Penalties: Jordan Hendrikse (2)