Apart from Senatla’s exploits, fellow wing Leolin Zas and hooker Scarra Ntubeni got two tries apiece in a convincing and dominant victory by the DHL Stormers.
The first half at the Danie Craven Stadium was pretty much one-way traffic as the DHL Stormers ripped their opponents to shreds, but they also defended well and backed it up with a strong set piece.
Zebre Parma came back fighting after the break and apart from scoring a great try, they frustrated their hosts and it took 16 minutes before the DHL Stormers troubled the scorers again, but they got two in quick succession to take back the control.
The DHL Stormers came out firing and the Italians had no answer for their hosts’ power upfront to get them over the advantage line, attacking intent and the speed at which they played the game, bringing their fast men into the action with great success, with Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant instrumental from the back.
Three tries in the first 12 minutes told the story, with Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Damian Willemse (inside centre) – in his 50th match for the DHL Stormers – and Zas (left wing) all crossed the tryline for the Capetonians inside the first 15 minutes, with Libbok converting all of them.
Damian Willemse celebrates scoring a superb try in his 50th DHL Stormers appearance.
It took another 12 minutes before Senatla added his name to the score sheet with an intercept try from more than 50m out, and shortly before the break Ntubeni also got a fivepointer from a strong rolling maul, showing the DHL Stormers were not only about the flashy stuff.
South African-born centre Erich Cronje got Zebre Parma on the scoreboard with a great try from a clever kick by experienced Italy flyhalf Carlo Canna, and the visitors took some heart from that, keeping the DHL Stormers at bay.
But Senatla and Zas scored their second tries in a matter of minutes halfway through the second half to get the momentum back for the DHL Stormers.
Senatla’s effort was especially good, as he got the ball from a kick through by Zebre, chipped ahead and outpaced the Italians’ defence to score a great try.
There was another lull in scoring from the hosts, but when Asaeli Tuivuaka (wing) was red carded for foul play five minutes from the end, the DHL Stormers didn’t need another invitation and Ntubeni was driven over from the ensuing lineout for his second try.
Senatla closed proceedings as it started with his third try, and he was deservedly named the Man of the Match.
Scorers:
DHL Stormers 55 (33) – Tries: Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Leolin Zas (2), Seabelo Senatla (3), Scarra Ntubeni (2). Conversions: Libbok (4), Tim Swiel.
Zebre Parma 7 (0) – Try: Erich Cronje. Conversion: Carlo Canna.
