It was a contrasting New Year for an exhilarated Stormers side and a disheartened Lions side, as the hosts capped off their unbeaten year at the Cape Town Stadium by thrashing South African rivals 40-8 in the United Rugby Championship (URC). on Saturday night.
In the first New Year’s Eve clash between the two sides, it was the high-flying Stormers, in front of a large home front, who produced the goods when they outscored the Lions six tries to one.
The last team to beat the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium were the Lions, in December 2021, but they never threatened to repeat that upset after the home side went 12-0 up after 12 minutes and led 19-3. half an hour break.
Stormers coach John Dobson has been delighted with the way his side have finished this year, taking 10 points from derbies against Highveld rivals the Bulls and Lions, scoring 10 tries while conceding just four from two. games.
“The boys scored some good tries. Maybe once or twice we were a bit loose with the ball, but it’s New Year’s Eve, you’re in charge and you want to please the crowd,” said Dobson.
“Our offense may not be of the same standard from a few weeks ago, but in general, a very good performance. I’m just pleased we scored a few tries and built on that from last week. It will be terrible to come here and win 9-6 in drudge.
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“To be where we are, having gone more than a year (without losing in Cape Town), these players are resilient and continue to improve.”
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen for the second week in a row had to admit his side were not up to standard as they suffered their second heavy defeat against the South African coastal side, after being crushed by the Sharks in Durban a week ago. previous.
“You have to be a threat on both sides of the ball, in attack and defense and I think they beat us in both departments. Their attack was outstanding tonight. They continued to pressure us and then with the number of x factors outside, they were able to punish,” he said. Van Rooyen.
“They are probably the best defensive team in the competition at the moment and it showed tonight. In stages, we were able to put pressure on in attack, but the decision in the last third was disappointing and we could not capitalize.
The Lions and Stormers both enter the current path of a difficult January period for both sides.
The Lions take on Munster this weekend, then Connacht at the end of the month at the URC, with Challenge Cup games against the Dragons and Stade Francais in between their four-week European tour.
The Stormers play two URC games against Glasgow Warriors and Ulster, with a Champions Cup game against London Irish, followed by a home game against Clermont in between.