A clinical 22-point kicking performance by flyhalf Rayaan Solomons and a devastating impact from the bench guided the DHL Stormers Bolts to a 52-22 bonus-point victory over Hollywoodbets Sharks U20 at the DHL Stadium in a Round 1 fixture of the SA Rugby U20 Cup competition.
A breathless, seven-try first half saw the visitors ride a brace by hooker Clinton Agu to lead 22-21 at the break. However, tactical adjustments by the Stormers completely flipped the script, sparking a 31-0 second-half blitz that left the Durbanites scoreless in the final 40 minutes.
The Stormers got off to a flying start when hooker Almero Keizer barged over in the third minute. The Sharks hit back immediately through Clinton Agu, launching a furious point-for-point battle. Flying winger Jordan Steenkamp reclaimed the lead for the hosts, but further Sharks tries from Reece Curtin and Aiden Botha kept the visitors ahead. Only Pieter Bergh’s tough day with the boot kept the Stormers within striking distance.
The turnaround began immediately after halftime. Loose forward Wihan Kotze was brought on at the interval for Quintin Potgieter to fortify the breakdown. Just a minute later, winger Jack Benade crossed for his first of two tries to shift momentum.
In the 65th and 71st minutes, the Stormers unleashed a mass tactical substitution. Fresh front-rowers James Kobrowisky, Unaye Mndau, and Lukho Mtwana completely dismantled the Sharks' scrum, while utility back Luca Potgieter made an immediate impact by crossing the whitewash in the 76th minute. A late yellow card to Sharks defender William Ridl opened the floodgates, allowing Benade and Steenkamp to seal their braces in the final moments of the game.
Scorers:
DHL Stormers Bolts: Tries: Almero Keizer, Jordan Steenkamp (2), Jack Benade (2), Alex Smith, Rayaan Solomons, Luca Potgieter. Conversions: Rayaan Solomons (6). Penalties: Rayaan Solomons.
Hollywoodbets Sharks Gen: Tries: Clinton Agu (2), Reece Curtin, Aiden Botha. Conversions: Pieter Bergh.
Teams:
DHL Stormers Bolts: 15. Dawid Badenhorst, 14. Jack Benade, 13. RJ Davids, 12. Samuel Badenhorst, 11. Jordan Steenkamp, 10. Rayaan Solomons, 9. Jayden Brits, 8. Quintin Potgieter, 7. Aiden De Costa, 6. Gert Kemp, 5. Dominic Sesink Clee, 4. Alex Smith, 3. Henry Du Plessis, 2. Almero Keizer, 1. Zak Hickman. Replacements: 16. James Kobrowisky, 17. Unaye Mndau, 18. Lukho Mtwana, 19. Ethan Combrink, 20. Wihan Kotze, 21. Tyrone Gombe, 22. Olunje Mehlomakulu, 23. Luca Potgieter.
Hollywoodbets Sharks U20: 15. Stefan Moolman, 14. Lizwe Mtetwa, 13. William Ridl, 12. Iwan Jordaan, 11. Luan Williams, 10. Pieter Bergh, 9. Zirk Meyer, 8. Hendrik Jordaan, 7. Reece Curtin, 6. Imivuyo Kemka, 5. Zian Erasmus, 4. Jake Jansen, 3. Aiden Botha, 2. Clinton Agu, 1. Bernhard Du Toit. Replacements: 16. Sibabalwe Mtshini, 17. Ulrigh Du Preez, 18. Cruzz Davey, 19. Claud Steyn, 20. Thando Luthuli, 21. Riekus Van Der Merwe, 22. Denilo Jordaan, 23. Keenan Stoffels.
