Stormers v Lions: Five takeaways as 'industrious' Springboks show ...

Following the Stormers’ 29-10 win over the Lions in Cape Town, here are our takeaways from the action at DHL Stadium.

Top line

The Stormers finally showed some of what they are capable of as they ran in five tries to the two of the Lions with Joseph Dweba bagging two. Both wings Suleiman Hartzenberg and Leolin Zas scored one apiece while tighthead Neethling Fouche rounded a long rang score to secure the game.

Most of the Stormers’ tries came in the first half as the Lions received both a red and yellow card (more on that later) but the Joburg side showed their bravery with two second half scores courtesy of Edwill van der Merwe and Franco Marais.

The Stormers certainly lost their momentum and took their foot off the gas and it was Fouche’s brilliant support running that ultimately got the hosts over the line.

John Dobson will be pleased for the most part but it was difficult to watch Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu leave the field injured yet again.

Stormers Springboks all the difference

Five Boks returned for Dobson’s men and it showed almost immediately with veteran Deon Fourie getting over the ball to win a breakdown penalty in the opening minutes. Ben-Jason Dixon was another strong returnee with another typically industrious shift while the strength of Frans Malherbe showed in the scrum.

Once the big boys set the platform the attacking axis of Manie Libbok, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Warrick Gelant looked brilliant to start. Once Feinberg-Mngomezulu left the field through injury the attacking shape took a while to adjust but was still good enough for the most part.

It was easily the strongest Stormers side named this season and it showed. They will need to put in a serious run from here to make a charge for the playoffs, however.

Libbok will only be world-class if he fixes his kicking

We have written about this before and really don’t want to again. The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter if Libbok can rip bullet passes off both hands, kick off both feet or launch beautiful attacks, if he does not get the goal-kicking right he will never be considered world-class.

His reputation amongst fans is a love-hate in its truest form. Today at times Libbok was the embodiment of free-flowing rugby as he deployed all the tricks in his box to hand Stormers all their tries. The trouble is that few will remember that and a lot more will remember that he only got two of five kicks.

Manic finish to Italian derby as Benetton benefit from Zebre error after controversial try almost decides dramatic clash

Edwill van der Merwe underlines his Power Ranger status

The Lion showed his class on Springboks debut as the latest scrum-capped electric wing scored a stunning try against Wales before injury struck. Today the wing submitted another reminder that he can break any game open with a lovely solo effort including a chip and chase to score from NOTHING.

Van der Merwe has something really special about him and, while we understand there is queue for the Boks wing positions, surely it is worth giving him a run especially with Makazole Mapimpi ageing.

What a player he is.

Solo BRILLIANCE from Edwill van der Merwe ???? @Vodacom #URC | #STOvLIO pic.twitter.com/rxFKvUhEB3

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) December 21, 2024

Cards cost but the heart of a Lion shows

A red and yellow card gave the Lions little chance to truly challenge for the victory. However, there was little moaning and little fuss as they went about their work in typical fashion; high work rate and high passion.

This paid off as Van der Merwe’s worldie kept them in the game and there were stages later in the second half where they were far better than the complacent Stormers. Unfortunately it was a mountain too big to climb for the Joburg side.

READ MORE: The finest, funniest and most memorable rugby quotes of 2024 including some gems from Rassie Erasmus, Johnny Sexton, Rieko Ioane and more