Stormers win Newlands war

[Mike Stenson (RIP)]

2012-03-31 20:55

Cape Town - The Stormers repulsed a stirring fightback by the Bulls to retain their unbeaten record with a 20-17 win in their Super Rugby clash at Newlands on Saturday.

A penalty three minutes from the end by flyhalf Peter Grant enabled the Cape side to lead the table by two points from the Highlanders.

But the Bulls were the dominant team in the second half of a ferociously contested match, fighting back from a 14-point deficit to level at 17-17 with 13 minutes to go.

The Bulls scored two tries to one by the Stormers, but fullback Joe Pietersen landed all four penalty attempts and Grant succeeded with his only shot at goal after Pietersen went off injured.

The Bulls' Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn converted tries by wing Bjorn Basson and centre Wynand Olivier - the latter from the left touchline - but missed two penalty attempts and was just short with a late drop goal attempt which could have put the Bulls in front.

"It was a massive effort," said Stormers captain and centre Jean de Villiers. "It shows the advantage of playing at home. There was nothing in it. I am just happy we pulled through."