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Stormers Blank Leinster 35-0 to Open URC as Set-Piece Overhaul Pays Off

A redesigned set-piece plan devised by Rito Hlungwani underpinned the Cape Town rout.

Overview

  • John Dobson praised a disciplined, physical shift from the usual game model, calling it a "magic performance."
  • The hosts won all eight scrums and 17 of 18 lineouts, with two tries coming from driving mauls.
  • Seabelo Senatla earned man-of-the-match honors as the Stormers pulled away after leading 6-0 at half-time.
  • Prop Vernon Matongo impressed against veteran Rabah Slimani, reinforcing Dobson's optimism about front-row depth.
  • Leinster still fielded 13 internationals despite missing British & Irish Lions tourists, and the Stormers claimed a four-try bonus point before turning to Ospreys next.