The Stormers pulled of a dramatic 27-23 victory over the in-form Waratahs in their Super 12 match at Newlands on Saturday.
It was a heart-stopping encounter, with the Stormers first racing into a 22-0 lead, then allowing the Waratahs back into the game and trailing 23-22, before right wing Breyton Paulse’s second try in the 76th minute clinched the game.
The Stormers started the match a transformed side from the stuttering one that went down to the Hurricanes the previous week. Within 26 minutes, they had scored three tries, two of which were converted, and a penalty, putting them 22-0 ahead.
Paulse was the first to get onto the scoreboard when he finished off after Schalk Burger had poached a Waratahs lineout ball. The ball travelled quickly down the Stormers line and Paulse collected from fullback Gaffie du Toit, who looked impressive on attack after replacing the injured Werner Greeff in the starting line-up.
Flyhalf Chris Rossouw converted and also added a penalty before the Cape side sent a disbelieving Newlands into raptures as debut boy David Britz finished off.
There was first some delightful interplay between Du Toit, left wing Pieter Rossouw and another man making his Stormers debut — Springbok flank Schalk Burger. A number of phases followed, culminating in the hooker’s try.
The Waratahs, meanwhile, looked shaky and in disarray, clearly stunned by the intensity of the Men in Black. They fumbled around and struggled to get to grips with the Stormers scrum powered by Britz, Eddie Andrews and Daan Human.
At the rucks, the Australians also struggled early on, with a flood of penalties going the Stormers’ way in the opening half-hour.
Chris Rossouw finished for their third try after a delightful build-up. Du Toit’s grubber found its way into the hands of No 8 Adri Badenhorst. He passed to centre De Wet Barry, who raced down the touchline before off-loading the final pass to Rossouw.
It looked for all money as if Newlands would witness a spectacular display, but the Stormers again failed to maintain the high standards they are capable of over 80 minutes.
The Waratahs also regained their composure and managed to pull two scores back before the half was over.
They got some quality possession when the Stormers lineout malfunctioned and managed to hold onto it. Left wing Cameron Shepherd did the honours after they worked an overlap.
The Stormers had only themselves to blame for giving away a try on the stroke of halftime. In fact, they had a penalty, but Du Toit failed to find touch. Once Wallaby right wing Lote Tuqiri found himself in space from the resultant counter-attack, he didn’t need a second invitation.
At 22-12 up, however, the Stormers still had a cushion and should have seen it through comfortably. But the Waratahs quickly showed why they were at the top of the Super 12 log going into this match.
Fullback Matt Burke opened their second half account in the 44th minute with a penalty. Shortly after the hour mark, replacement centre Mogan Turinui won the race to his chip kick and there were only two points in it.
The Stormers had enjoyed a good spell of pressure, but were unable to finish off. In the 71st minute, the Waratahs took the lead when flyhalf Tim Donnelly struck a penalty and it looked as if the Stormers had blown it.
However, Corne Krige and Co. would have none of it and Paulse scored their fourth try after the ball went swiftly through the hands at the back.
He almost got a hat-trick just before the end, but was forced out in the right-hand corner. Paulse’s performance, however, would have cheered the national selectors no end, while Du Toit also appears to have resurrected his career.
The Stormers will, however, reflect on a gutsy team effort, and on the balance of play fully deserved this win.
Scorers:
Stormers:
Tries: Right wing Breyton Paulse (2), hooker David Britz, flyhalf Chris Rossouw. Conversions: Rossouw (2). Penalty: Rossouw.
Waratahs:
Tries: Left wing Cameron Shepherd, right wing Lote Tuqiri, replacement centre Ben Jacobs. Conversion: Fullback Matt Burke. Penalties: Burke, flyhalf Tim Donnelly. – Sapa