The DHL Stormers signed off their 2025 campaign in style with a hard-fought 34–27 Vodacom United Rugby Championship victory over the Lions at DHL Stadium, stretching their winning streak to nine matches and keeping them at the summit of the standings, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The contest burst into life almost immediately when a dropped kick-off gifted the visitors an early opening, which flank Ruan Venter converted into the opening try. The Lions quickly built on that momentum by adding a penalty before the Stormers found their rhythm.
Cape Town’s response came through wing Dylan Maart, who crossed after latching onto a perfectly judged pass from Warrick Gelant. Jurie Matthee then slotted a penalty to bring the scores level, but the Lions had the final say of the half as Venter powered over for his second try, sending the visitors into the break with a 17–10 lead.
The Stormers emerged from the sheds with renewed intensity, striking early in the second half when Wandisile Simelane finished off a well-worked move. A wholesale change in the forward pack soon followed, and the impact was instant. A dominant driving maul ended with Paul de Villiers grounding the ball to swing the lead in favour of the hosts.
Both sides traded penalties as the match tightened, before the Stormers landed a decisive blow. Evan Roos forced his way over the line to secure the all-important bonus-point try, giving the home side breathing room in the closing stages.
The Lions refused to go quietly and were rewarded when wing Kelly Mpeku crossed late, earning the visitors a bonus point for their efforts.https://www.capetownetc.com/news/watch-us-content-creator-speaks-out-after-cape-town-robbery/ However, the Stormers held firm to claim all five points and cap off the year with another statement victory in a bruising South African derby.
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