Stormers survive stunning Scarlets fightback to win Cape Town thriller

The hosts suffered several injuries during the match, eventually forcing uncontested scrums in the second half and depriving them of one of their key weapons. While they managed to secure the win, they will be concerned about the impact of those injuries in the coming days, as well as a leaky defence that allowed the Scarlets to score six tries.

The hosts made a strong start, with Zachary Porthen scoring from a lineout move before Haashim Pead finished a superb attacking move for the Stormers' second try. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted the latter to give the hosts a 12-0 lead.

The Scarlets hit back through Joe Roberts while a man down following John McKee's yellow card, but Ntuthuko Mchunu powered over for the Stormers before Ioan Jones replied for the visitors. Seabelo Senatla then crossed to help the hosts establish a 12-point lead.

Deon Fourie added another try from a lineout drive just before half-time, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu converting to send the Stormers into the break 33-14 ahead and seemingly cruising.

However, the Scarlets came flying out of the blocks after the restart, with tries from Jones and Roberts cutting the deficit to 33-28 by the 47th minute, as they took full advantage of some sloppy play from the home side.

Olly Reid briefly restored the Stormers' breathing room, finishing from close range after a tap penalty, but the visitors continued to exploit gaps in the home defence. Josh Macleod crossed in the 60th minute before Roberts completed his hat-trick to level the scores at 40-40.

The Stormers needed a response and found it in the 73rd minute when replacement flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed finished off a move following a quick tap penalty. Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted to put the hosts back in front.

The Scarlets continued to attack in search of another score, but the Stormers sealed the win in the final minute when Ahmed collected after Leolin Zas hacked the ball ahead and crossed for his second try. Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted to complete a 52-40 victory after a dramatic contest.

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