Stormers blitz Leinster to keep URC playoff hopes alive

The Stormers kept their United Rugby Championship (URC) playoff hopes alive as they outclassed Leinster in front of the Cape Town faithful on Saturday evening.

After their shock loss at home to the Ospreys last week, the Stormers powered to a 42-12 win after leading 23-0 at half-time.

The win, in which the home side scored five tries to secure a bonus point, means that John Dobson's charges kept their playoff hopes alive and moved to fifth in the URC standings.

The Stormers immediately made an impact as Englishman Ben Loader scored in the third minute. Manie Libbok had a decent night with the boot as he slotted Loader's try as well as three penalties to extend the host's lead as Leinster struggled to get into the encounter. 

Captain Salmaan Moerat scored his first-ever try in the URC on the stroke of half-time as the teams went into the break with the Stormers leading 23-0 and in total control.

Following the break, Herschel Jantjies sniped around a ruck and sprinted 35m to score, with Libbok converting to push out the home side's lead to 30-0.

Leinster finally got over the whitewash in the 50th minute as Max Deegan scored, with Sam Prendergast covering the try.

Rob Russell scored straight off the restart to get the Irish side back in the game.

However, the Stormers bounced back with a try through Willie Engelbrecht to seal the bonus point before Warrick Gelant rounded off an excellent win for the home side on full time as he dummied the Leinster defence to score in the left-hand corner. 

The URC will take a week's break and return on 10 May when the Stormers travel to Wales to face the Dragons.

Scorers:

Stormers 42 (23)

Tries: Ben Loader, Salmaan Moerat, Herschel Jantjies, Willie Engelbrecht, Warrick Gelant

Conversions: Manie