DHL Stormers XXIII take full five points against Sharks XV

The DHL Stormers XXIII scored five tries to claim a full five points from their Carling Currie Cup coastal derby against the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

In an entertaining game played in front of an enthusiastic crowd of over 14 000, the home side bounced back from last week’s defeat in Wellington with a 36-28 win.

The visitors made a fast start, with winger Lyle Matthews going over for an early try. The Stormers XXIII hit back with some forward power and hooker Vernon Paulo crashed over from close range to level things up.

The hosts took the lead when No 8 Wandile Mlaba finished another period of dominance in the 22 but the Durban side went back on level terms with a try from scrumhalf Ross Braude.

However, it was the Stormers XXIII that had the advantage at half-time as outside centre Markus Muller scored on debut after taking a great offload from his centre partner Josh Boulle.

That made it 19-14 at the break, with the Stormers XXIII showing great determination on defence to hold off an onslaught from the visitors just before half-time.

The home side stretched that lead to eight points with a penalty from flyhalf Kyle Smith early in the second half but the Durban side responded with a try from replacement prop Rambo Kubheka to bring it back to a one-point game at 22-21.

The Stormers XXIII came up with two tries as first Josh Boulle crashed through for the bonus point before replacement flank Xola Nyali scored from a maul.

That makes it two wins from three games this season, with another home game coming up against the Toyota Cheetahs at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.