It’s all systems go in Stellenbosch as the DHL Stormers and the Scarlets prepare for their second game of the latest instalment of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC).
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While the world’s rugby fraternity are sure to be glued to their television sets for the IRB Rugby World Cup, on Saturday evening, it’s fitting that the oldest rugby union take to the field at a facility named after one of the Springboks most iconic figures.
Hours before the kick-off between the Boks and All Blacks, the Danie Craven Stadium is the place to be on what promises to be an unforgettable day for fans across the country.
However, the home team will need to set all distractions aside for their game against a hungry Welsh opposition before their focus can shift to France.
The DHL Stormers got their campaign off to a good start on Saturday as they narrowly beat the Lions 35-33 in Johannesburg
The Capetonians started very well and were firmly in control at the break but the home team refused to lie down and gave the visitors a proper scare.
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The hosts outscored their opponents by five tries to four and were out of the blocks first but the Stormers took control to lead by 32-7 early in the second half.
The Lions then found another gear and crossed for four tries to set up a tense finish.
Fortunately for the Cape faithful, the Stormers hung on for the victory.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered an impressive performance at inside centre and scored two tries, as well as two penalty goals for a personal contribution of 16 points.
In contrast to their opponents for week two, the Scarlets were simply not up to standard at Loftus as they received a drubbing from the Bulls.
The Pretoria outfit made the most of their homeground advantage on a hot day to beat the visitors by 63-21 on Sunday afternoon.
The Vodacom Bulls were ruthless on attack and scored nine tries, with former Junior Springbok No 8 Cameron Hanekom grabbing a brace in his Vodacom URC debut, while Stedman Gans also crossed the Welsh club’s tryline twice.
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The home team showed their intent from the start and had their four-try bonus-point in the bag after 24 minutes. Johan Goosen was on song from the tee, converting all nine tries for a personal contribution of 18 points.
Welsh international Taine Plumtree, whose father John Plumtree is head coach of the Hollywoodbets Sharks, scored twice for the visitors.
The DHL Stormers schedule for the United Rugby Championship can be viewed here, and the schedule for the Heineken Champions Cup can be viewed here.
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Picture: @geordinhl / Twitter