The Stormers shrugged off any side-effects of their long trip from South Africa as they came back in the dying stages to snatch a 16-all draw with the Otago Highlanders in the rain in New Zealand on Saturday.
The Highlanders were left to rue what might have been after twice relinquishing the lead, the second time with a minute left on the clock when Gaffie du Toit ended an erratic performance by finding the posts with the equalising penalty.
But the result did not please Stormers skipper Neil de Kock whose side gave up an abundance of penalties with three of them converted by Ben Blair for the Highlanders.
”It’s a numb feeling,” de Kock said.
”We wish there weren’t draws in this competition but we’ll take the two points, but we’re not particularly happy with it.”
The Stormers made all the early running and with a try to Jean de Villiers and a penalty to du Toit, against a sole penalty by Ben Blair, led 3-8 at half-time.
In the second spell the Highlanders clawed their way back, first with a penalty to Blair and then Craig Newby emerged triumphant after the Otago pack had forced their way over the line.
Blair converted the try to have the Highlanders ahead 13-8, but no sooner had play resumed than flying winger Tonderai Chavhanga touched down out wide to level the score.
With less than two minutes remaining, Stormers replacement Quinton Davids was caught offside allowing Blair to put the Highlanders ahead again 16-13.
But almost immediately from the kick-off Otago loose-head Josh Blackie was penalised, allowing du Toit to level the score and keep the Stormers unbeaten after two matches. The Highlanders, after a first-round loss to the Blues, remain without a win. – Sapa-AFP