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Notshe hat-trick keeps Stormers rolling, Kriel wins it late for Lions
By Alex Fisher
Sikhumbuzo Notshe scored a hat-trick as Stormers ran in eight tries to beat Cheetahs 53-10 and maintain their 100 per cent Super Rugby record.
Stormers are five from five after Saturday’s demolition, the hosts dominating from the off with Notshe grabbing the first of his treble in the opening 40.
Dillyn Leyds, Daniel du Plessis, Robert du Preez and Siya Kolisi also crossed for Stormers as the inflicted a third successive defeat on Cheetahs – their only fillip coming via a Paul Schoeman try.
The win keeps Stormers top of the Africa 1 conference, though Lions retain a better points total in the second group after a fifth win of the season.
TRY! That is the hat-trick for @Notshe6 and it raises the #DHLStormers half-century as they go 53-10 up at #DHLNewlands. #STOvCHE
— DHL STORMERS (@THESTORMERS) April 1, 2017
Jaco Kriel’s late try proved pivotal for Lions as they snatched a 34-29 victory in the closing stages against Sharks.
Lions had not led the local rivalry until Courtnall Skosan’s converted try three minutes into the second half.
From then on momentum moved one way and then another, and with six minutes remaining the scores were level at 29-29 thanks to Elton Jantjies’ fourth penalty.
Kriel’s decisive moment came two minutes later as he crossed in the corner to secure a narrow victory, ending Sharks’ four-game winning run.
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