Stormers thrash Highlanders in Super 14

The Stormers scored four tries without reply to destroy New Zealand’s Otago Highlanders 33-0 in the Super 14 on Saturday.

The Stormers, who finished 10th last year, picked up a bonus point after notching their fourth try in the final minute as they moved to third in the table after four matches.

Fullback Joe Pietersen, who rattled up 45 points in the first three games, sparkled again with three penalties and a conversion for the South Africans.

Pietersen booted two early penalties to give his team a 6-0 lead before hooker Deon Fourie, a late call-up for regular starter Tiaan Liebenberg, drove over for the first touchdown.

The fullback converted before kicking a third penalty on the stroke of halftime to make it 16-0.

Captain Schalk Burger, a veteran of 55 Tests, barged through for the second try after a forward drive on the hour.

Replacement flanker Pieter Louw also dived over from a lineout drive 10 minutes from time before winger Bryan Habana chased down his own kick to seal an emphatic victory over 11th-placed Otago. - Reuters