The DHL Stormers led by six points (16-10) at the end of a first half of ceaseless action during which they had two of three try appeals in the match correctly disallowed (after TMO referrals) and had the boots of their Springboks to thank for their lead.

The Vodacom Bulls scored two tries in four minutes – through lock Reinhardt Ludwig at the front of a five-metre lineout drive and Bok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse easily winning the race with Ruhan Nel to Embrose Papier’s grubber from halfway – but Johan Goosen’s touchline conversion attempts were wide.

Meanwhile the DHL Stormers had two Manie Libbok penalty goals and a drop goal from Damian Willemse to keep them in touch before the hosts’ first try put them in a lead in the 25^th minute which they were never to relinquish.

Bok utility forward Deon Fourie burst 20 metres through the middle of a ruck to setup field position for centre Jean-Luc du Plessis to wrestle over from five metres under the poles for an easy conversion.

Libbok kicked a third penalty goal at the start of the second half before Canan Moodie dived in at the corner from a trademark cut-out pass from Bok teammate Wille le Roux.

Nel scored the Stormers’ second try with 20 minutes to go and although replacement flyhalf Chris Smith reduced the lead to six points with eight minutes left, the DHL Stormers’ defence held firm.

Scorers:

DHL Stormers 26 (16) – Tries: Jean-Luc du Plessis, Ruhan Nel. Conversions: Manie Libbok (2). Penalty goals: Libbok (3). Drop goal: Damian Willemse.

Vodacom Bulls 20 (10) – Tries: Reinhardt Ludwig, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie. Conversion: Johan Goosen, Chris Smith.