Stormers snatch victory in 85th minute

2019-02-23

A tense Vodacom Super Rugby match between the Emirates Lions and DHL Stormers ended in a last gasp victory to the home side, when they clinched a try in the 85th minute of the game at Newlands on Saturday. The Lions enjoyed more territory and made two of their scoring chances count. After 19 minutes, the men from Jozi were up 14-3. The Stormers struggled to score in the first half. SP Marais slotted a second penalty goal in the 29th minute.

Just when it appeared as if the hosts were building some momentum deep in Lions territory, prop Ali Vermaak was shown a yellow card for flying into a ruck from the side. The half ended with the Lions leading 14-6.

The Lions failed to capitalise on their superior numbers and their lead though, while the Stormers added six more points. The game was in the balance at 14-12 to the Lions after 60 minutes. The Stormers enjoyed a couple of chances to win the game at the death. Lions flank Marnus Schoeman was sin-binned for a cynical infringement at the lineout in the 77th minute.

The Lions defended desperately during this period, and conceded penalty after penalty. The Stormers looked to have blown their chance to win the game when the ball shot out of a scrum in front of the posts. Jantjies pounced quickly, and the Lions couldn’t stop the scrumhalf from scoring. Kwagga Smith was Man of the Match and Marvin Orie again made the most tackles.

Annemie Bester