Stormers cruise past Benetton in Stellenbosch

The Stormers consolidated a top-three finish in the United Rugby Championship by defeating Benetton 38-22 at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

The reigning URC champions did not hit top gear, but they had more than enough to see off the European Challenge Cup semi-finalists.

Stormers will be at home in next month’s title play-offs, and they warmed up for that knockout phase by claiming a maximum five points.

Flanker Willie Engelbrecht scored two tries, while there were also touchdowns for wing Angelo Davids, hooker JJ Kotze, full-back Clayton Blommetjies and replacement Marcel Theunissen, with fly-half Manie Libbok kicking four conversions.

Benetton led until just before half-time and they claimed tries from back-row forwards Alessandro Izekor and Manuel Zuliani, with Tomas Albornoz adding one conversion and a penalty, while they also collected a late penalty try.

But Benetton never seriously threatened to upset the form guide, and they must now regroup before next weekend’s Challenge Cup last-four clash against Toulon in France.