Overview

• Both teams were short of top internationals, with Leinster resting their British & Irish Lions and the hosts missing Springboks and injured leaders under stand-in captain Ruhan Nel.
• Cape Town’s side controlled possession and territory while dominating the scrum and aerial contests to secure a bonus-point victory.
• Jurie Matthee set the tone off the tee before adding a late try, with Evan Roos crossing twice and Stefan Ungerer finishing after Seabelo Senatla’s break.
• Director of rugby John Dobson had framed a home win to open the season as non-negotiable to bank points before an early away tour.
• Pre-match calls for a stronger pack from voices like Schalk Brits were backed by recent forward signings, and the scrum performance offered early proof of progress.