The Stormers delivered a resounding performance against Benetton, showcasing their dominance in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship match held on April 26, 2025, in Cape Town. With a final score of 56-5, the Stormers not only secured a critical victory but also demonstrated their intent to challenge for the top positions in the league.
The match kicked off at 18:15, with the Stormers, currently ranked eighth, looking to make a statement against the sixth-placed Benetton. From the outset, the Stormers asserted their dominance, with Sazi Sandi scoring the opening try just four minutes into the game. Following a breakdown in Benetton's defense, Sandi capitalized on a gap to touch down, putting the Stormers ahead 5-0. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the Stormers' flyhalf, converted the try, extending the lead to 7-0.
As the first half progressed, Feinberg-Mngomezulu continued to shine, scoring a penalty to make it 10-0, followed shortly by a brilliant drop goal that pushed the score to 13-0. The Stormers' relentless attack was evident as Dan du Plessis added to their tally with a try that brought the score to 18-0, again converted by Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who was clearly in fine form.
With Benetton struggling to find their rhythm, the Stormers capitalized on their errors, and another penalty from Feinberg-Mngomezulu saw the score rise to 23-0. The Stormers' onslaught continued, and Seabelo Senatla scored the team's fourth try, making it 28-0, followed by another conversion from Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who was having a stellar game. By halftime, the Stormers had established a commanding 30-0 lead, leaving Benetton with much to ponder.
As the second half commenced, Benetton made a spirited effort to get back into the match. Jacob Umaga finally broke the Stormers' defensive line with a try just a minute after the restart, reducing the deficit to 30-5. Umaga converted his own try, bringing the score to 30-7.
However, the Stormers quickly responded with Marcel Theunissen scoring another try, extending their advantage to 35-7. Feinberg-Mngomezulu's conversion made it 37-7, as the home crowd roared in approval. The match showcased the Stormers' attacking prowess, with their backs and forwards working in tandem to maintain pressure on the Benetton defense.
Despite Benetton's attempts to claw back into the game, the Stormers' defense held firm. The visitors had their moments but struggled to convert possession into points. The Stormers' resilience was evident when Leolin Zas intercepted a pass and raced down the field to score, pushing the score to 42-5, with yet another conversion from Feinberg-Mngomezulu making it 44-5.
In a dramatic turn, Benetton's Siua Maile received a yellow card, leaving both teams with 14 players as the match entered its final stages. The Stormers took full advantage of the situation, with Paul de Villiers scoring from a powerful driving maul, extending the score to 49-5.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu capped off his remarkable performance with a try of his own, making it 54-5, and converted to seal the score at 56-5. The flyhalf's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he contributed to every aspect of the game—scoring tries, converting, and executing penalties.
With this emphatic victory, the Stormers not only secured a crucial bonus point but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league. Their ability to dominate both in attack and defense will surely make them a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses. The Stormers will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while Benetton will need to regroup and address the issues highlighted in this match.
As the final whistle blew, the Stormers celebrated a well-deserved win, while Benetton faced the reality of a challenging performance. This match will serve as a pivotal moment for the Stormers as they aim for a strong finish in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
