But it was a close affair as the DHL Stormers secured the win with a Ruhan Nel try in the dying seconds after the hosts managed to close the gap between the two sides on the scoreboard late in the match.

The Scarlets tried hard to stamp their authority in the first half, and this was met by a committed attacking performance by the DHL Stormers. In the end a converted try and two penalty goals by the hosts saw them edge the Capetonians by two points at half-time, despite the visitors outscoring them by two tries to one.

The second half delivered some thrilling rugby, with Nel scoring a brace to secure the vital bonus-point win to push them into second place on the log temporarily, although this position will depend on the closing pool match between log-leaders, Leinster, and Munster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Scarlets flyhalf Sam Costelow opened up the scoring with a penalty goal in third minute, and three minutes later Jonny Williams (centre) scored a great try after chasing a stunning kick up-field, and the extra two by Costelow gave the Welshmen an early 10-0 lead.

DHL Stormers wing Leolin Zas used his raw pace and skills to dance his way through and around the defence in the 13^th minute for their first try of the match and flyhalf Manie Libbok’s conversion saw the visitors reduce the deficit on the scoreboard to three points.

This was short-lived however, as Costelow added back-to-back penalty goals within 11 minutes to inflate the home side’s lead once again, but this did not dent the visitors’ spirits, as they fought with intent until the break.

Their determined efforts paid off in the 37^th minute as Evan Roos (No 8) forced himself through a defender to score, and Libbok’s conversion saw the DHL Stormers enter the break 16-14 down.

The visitors showed their intent from the outset in the second half with Nel darting his way through a gaping hole in the defence for their third try in the 41^st minute, and this allowed the Capetonians to take the lead for the first time in the game at 21-16.

The Scarlets had another shot at the goal posts soon after, but Costelow’s attempt went wayward.

The DHL Stormers found themselves under pressure shortly before the fourth quarter as Deon Fourie (flanker) received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, and fortunately for the visitors, their tenacious defence managed to deny the Scarlets a try-scoring opportunity soon after.

The Scarlets hit back hard with Ryan Conbeer (wing) dashing his way to touch down in the corner with only minutes left to play, but the conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the teams tied at 21-21.

Nel, however had the final say of the match as he smashed his way through a defender to score the teams fourth and bonus point try in the dying minutes to hand them a vital bonus-point win, and second place on the log temporarily.

They will, however, only know if they are guaranteed of the second spot on the log following the conclusion of the clash between Leinster and Munster (who are on 56 points, meaning they still have a chance to earn the second place on the log if they win with a bonus point and a favourable points' difference).

Scorers:

Scarlets 21 (16) – Tries: Jonny Williams, Ryan Conbeer. Conversion: Sam Costelow. Penalty goals: Costelow (3).

DHL Stormers 26 (14) – Tries: Leolin Zas, Evan Roos, Ruhan Nel (2). Conversions: Manie Libbok (3).