The DHL Stormers got their push for a Vodacom URC playoff back on track with a bonus-point victory over Leinster in Cape Town on Saturday.

Taking a 23-0 lead into half-time, the DHL Stormers responded to successive home losses by fighting to a 42-12 win against a youthful Leinster side at Cape Town Stadium.

A full house of points sees the Stormers climb up to fifth on the Vodacom URC log, six points behind the fourth-placed Vodacom Bulls, who also got five log points earlier on Saturday.

The Stormers came into the match looking to respond to last weekend’s shock home defeat to Welsh side Ospreys, but didn’t make the ideal start, as Manie Libbok’s kick-off didn’t travel the required 10 metres. Libbok then missed a penalty kick to touch and almost had a pass intercepted.

However, Libbok and the Stormers quickly shook off the nerves and settled after Damian Willemse intercepted Leinster’s attack and sent Ben Loader on a 60-metre run for the opening try.

Celebrating his 150th match for the Stormers, Brok Harris produced a powerful performance. The veteran loosehead prop joined forces with the returning Joseph Dweba and man of the match Neethling Fouche to dominate the scrum battle.

Three penalties from Libbok – one of those from 49 metres out – gave the Stormers some breathing space on the scoreboard, before captain Salmaan Moerat forced his way through four Leinster defenders to dot down before the interval.

The Stormers came out flying in the second half and were cruising when Herschel Jantjies sniped around a breakdown to race away for their third try.

However, Leinster produced an incredible response and had the Stormers on the back foot after No 8 Max Deegan dotted down. Winger Rob Russell scored from the subsequent kick off and Evan Roos was sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements.

The Stormers managed the yellow card period well and didn’t concede a point while Roos was off, with replacement props Kwenzo Blose and Frans Malherbe winning a crucial free kick and penalty.

Replacement loose forwards Hacjivah Dayimani and Willie Engelbrecht combined to give the Stormers the all-important bonus-point try, before Warrick Gelant put a seal on the match with a magical dummy and run to the corner.

The Stormers will have a week’s break before embarking on their two-match tour of the UK and Ireland, which gets under way with a clash against Dragons in Newport on Friday, 10 May.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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