The highly anticipated United Rugby Championship clash between the Stormers and the Sharks at DHL Stadium lived up to the hype, with the home team emerging victorious 24-20 in front of a packed crowd on Saturday.

Stormers flyhalf Manie Libbok played a crucial role by scoring a key try and successfully converting, significantly contributing to the team’s victory. This win is an important boost for the Stormers, who had suffered defeats in four of their last five matches across different competitions.

The reigning champions from the 2022 season saw tries from returning players Seabelo Senatla and Deon Fourie early in the game. The Sharks responded with tries from Yaw Penxe and Jordan Hendrikse, with Hendrikse also adding points through penalties.

The match was a hard-fought encounter, with the score tied at 10-10 midway through the second half. Libbok then delivered an outstanding try for himself, putting the Stormers ahead 17-10. However, Hendrikse answered back with a try of his own and converted it, leveling the match at 17-17.

The Sharks briefly took the lead with a penalty from Hendrikse, but the Stormers rallied, culminating in a last-minute try from Jean-Luc du Plessis. Libbok’s successful conversion secured the win for the Stormers, sealing a final score of 24-20.

Despite a last-minute effort, the Sharks were unable to regain control of the match, facing disappointment after their recent victory against the Blue Bulls the previous weekend.

BKT United Rugby Championship, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa 28/12/2024
DHL Stormers vs Hollywoodbets Sharks
Salmaan Moerat of the DHL Stormers executes a kickoff
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/SteveHaagSport/EJ Langner