Stormers dent Sharks' play-off hopes with 27-16 victory

by Frank Nickson Sunday 8 July 2018

Stormers have brought an end to their losing streak

©PA

Stormers 27-16 Sharks, DHL Newlands
Scorecard

Sharks failed to capitalise on the defeat of Jaguares as they suffered a 27-16 defeat to Stormers in their Super Rugby encounter at DHL Newlands on Saturday.

The win has also ended four-game losing streak for Stormers as they dent Sharks' chances of making to the next round.

The first quarter saw Robert du Preez kick three penalties. The home side suffered a setback with the withdrawal of Jean-Luc du Plessis but Joshua Stander played a clinical role when he offloaded to Damian de Allende, who in turn found Cobus Wiese for the opening try in the 7th minute and Stander improved it to make it 7-9.

The final 10 minutes of the first half saw EW Viljoen (30') and Raymond Rhule (37') score further tries for the hosts and with Stander converting both Stormers headed into the break with a 21-9 lead.

Sharks were quick to get off the block when Jacobus Van Wyk crossed over in the 43rd minute and a conversion from du Preez reduced the gap to five points but they could not add any further points in the game.

Instead, it was Stander, who kicked two penalty goals in the final quarter to help Stormers complete a 27-16 victory.

HIGHLIGHTS: 2018 Super Rugby Week 18: Stormers v Sharks@TheSharksZA hopes of a play-off berth took a massive hit after being defeated by @THESTORMERS 27-16 at Cape Town on Saturday night.#Week18 #STOvSHA #SuperRugby #dhlstormers #westandtogether pic.twitter.com/5XBo9b7eIa
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) July 7, 2018