DHL Stormers start URC with a bang

The DHL Stormers started the Vodacom United Rugby Championship with a convincing 35-0 win against defending champions Leinster at DHL Stadium on Friday night.

All four tries came in the second half as the Stormers turned up the heat on the visitors and raced away in style in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

The home side made a fast start and got on the scoreboard early, with flyhalf Jurie Matthee splitting the uprights.

Matthee had two more long-range shots at goal that went just wide as the Stormers made the early running in front of their home crowd.

There was a maul try disallowed, with flank Paul de Villiers crossing in the corner before the TMO stepped in.

Matthee would double the lead with a second penalty, which saw the hosts take a 6-0 advantage into the half-time break.

Matthee was on the mark again early in the second half and they followed that up with the opening try as Seabelo Senatla pounced on a loose ball and got it away to scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer to finish under the poles.

The home side had their tails up and the forwards soon got in on the act as both Evan Roos and replacement Ruan Ackermann scored maul tries.

The bonus point was wrapped up when Matthee ghosted through a gap and turned on the pace, sealing a comprehensive win in the end.