The Stormers earned their place among the top eight teams in Europe (and South Africa), following a 32-28 win over the Harlequins at the DHL Stadium. The score might seem close, but in fact, it was a match that was dominated by the hosts. Albeit, the first 77 minutes.
Stormers dominated in the first 40
The first half was a proper rugby feast. It lived up to the Champions Cup brand. This was especially the case from the current URC Champions, the Stormers.
Their fearless, free-flowing brand of rugby was on full display from the get-go. They crossed the whitewash with mere seconds on the clock. This being the knockout round of the Heineken Champions Cup, the Stormers wouldn’t be unchallenged.
It didn’t take Harlequins long to bounce back. The English Premiership giants equalized a few minutes later.
This would prove to be their last score of the half, and not due to a lack of trying. The Stormers’ defence just wouldn’t give, despite the Harlequins throwing everything at the Stormers in the danger zone.
Tries from Captain, Steven Kitshoff and a second from Deon Fourie gave the hosts a 17-7 lead heading into the break. Much to the delight of the 33 501 fans at the DHL Stadium.
Too little, too late for the Quins at the end
The Stormers flame kept on burning going into the second half. They had the Quins pinned back and soon added to their score. Damian Willemse added his name to the scoresheet, with what could be the greatest finish of this year’s Champions Cup campaign.
🦵 Manie Libbok's kick
🫴 Seabelo Senatla's offload
✨ Damian Willemse's magicThis is too neat from the DHL Stormers | #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/3XTmz3JNMW
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 1, 2023
Fighting a 25-7 deficit, the Englishmen threw everything they had at the Capetonians, but there was no way through.
The Stormers would add to the score, with a try that proved to be crucial in the end. Willie Engelbrecht crossed the whitewash from a maul, following a line-out five meters from the try line.
With four minutes left of the match, the Harlequins eventually found their rhythm. They scored three quick-fire tries. However, it would be nothing more than a consolation, as the Stormers lead was just out of reach.
What’s next for the Stormers?
The Stormers will play the winner of the Round of 16 Champions Cup match between the Exeter Chiefs and Montpellier. A win for Exeter will mean that the Stormers will have to travel up North for the Quarter Final bout. However, if the French outfit comes out on top, the Stormers will have home field advantage.
That match will be decided on Sunday, 2 April, at 13h30
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