Currie Cup: Stormers XXIII and Lions notch second wins of the season

Stormers XXIII 36-28 Sharks XV

The Stormers XXIII scored five tries to claim a full five points from their Carling Currie Cup coastal derby against the Sharks XV at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

In an entertaining game played in front of an enthusiastic crowd of over 14 000, the home side bounced back from last week's defeat in Wellington.

The visitors made a fast start, with winger Lyle Matthews going over for an early try. The DHL Stormers XXIII hit back with some forward power and hooker Vernon Paulo crashed over from close range to level things up.

The hosts took the lead when No.8 Wandile Mlaba finished another period of dominance in the 22, but the Durban side went back on level terms with a try from scrumhalf Ross Braude.

However, it was the Stormers XXIII that had the advantage at half-time as outside centre Markus Muller scored on debut after taking a great offload from his centre partner Josh Boulle.

That made it 19-14 at the break, with the DHL Stormers XXIII showing great determination on defence to hold off an onslaught from the visitors just before half-time.

The home side stretched that lead to eight points with a penalty from flyhalf Kyle Smith early in the second half, but the Durban side responded with a try from replacement prop Rambo Kubheka to bring it back to a one-point game at 22-21.

The Stormers XXIII came up with two tries as first Josh Boulle crashed through for the bonus point before replacement flank Xola Nyali scored from a maul.

Lions 42-19 Bulls

The Lions fired on cylinders to outplay the Bulls for a 42-19 victory in their Currie Cup clash at the University of Johannesburg Stadium.

It was one-way traffic from the first whistle as the Lions put in a comprehensive performance to be 28-0 ahead at the halftime break.

Ruan Delport, Conraad van Vuuren, Morne Venter, Maahle Sithole al crossed for tries as the hosts were dominant in the early exchanges.

The Bulls were much better after the interval, but it was more about damage control and putting some pride back into jersey that they represent.

Kebotile Maake and Devon Williams pulled two tries back for visitors but it was never going to be enough as the Lions once crossed for a five-pointer through Asad Moos.

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