The Stormers were slow starters, but a second-half flex saw the URC champions down Italy's Benetton 38-22 at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Friday. FT | Stormers 38-22 BenettonThe hosts were still not at their best following back-to-back losses against Exeter Chiefs (Champions Cup) and Munster, but they got better as the game progressed and, by the end, were superior.
The bonus-point win means the Stormers are momentarily up to second on the URC log, but they will drop back down to third if Ulster beat Edinburgh, as is expected, at home in Friday night's late kick-off.
That will still be enough to give them a home quarter-final at Cape Town Stadium in two weekends' time. The Stormers held a narrow 12-10 lead at half-time, but by the time referee Hollie Davidson blew the final whistle, they had scored 6 tries to three from the Italians.
A large, vocal crowd arrived for the fixture - the Stormers' first match in Stellenbosch since their season-opening win over Connacht in September - but it didn't take long for the Stormers to know they were in a contest.