It was a match in which both sides tried to run the ball whenever possible, but it was the better support play and options by the Capetonians that allowed them to score three first-half tries to lead 19-3 at break.

The Emirates Lions had their share of possession but seemed to be uncertain of their options at times on attack and made too many mistakes under pressure.

They came out with a more direct approach in their attack after halftime and crept closer to the DHL Stormers with a well-taken try by Henco van Wyk wide out after a tap kick penalty near the hosts’ tryline after 48 minutes. 

The Johannesburgers played their part in the exciting local derby, but were disallowed a try when the TMO confirmed a slight knock-on by the visitors. That ended their realistic challenge of winning, and DHL Stormers wing Angelo Davids followed this up by running half the field’s length for his second try, which settled matters.

Springbok flanker Deon Fourie was outstanding at the breakdown and No 8 Hacjivah Dayimani was voted Man of the Match.

Dayimani often cropped up on the sideline to use his pace and size to put the visitors under pressure with his ball carrying, as well as his outstanding cover play, while the dynamic loose forward's run from deep in his own half to set up the DHL Stormers' bonus point try, with the hosts ending up scoring six tries to one.

The victory also means the DHL Stormers, the defening Vodacom URC champions, were unbeaten in Cape Town in 2022.

Scorers:

DHL Stormers 40 (19) – Tries: Damian Willemse, Deon Fourie, Dan du Plessis, Angelo Davids (2), Marcel Theunissen. Conversions: Manie Libbok (5).

Emirates Lions 3 (8) – Try: Henco van Wyk. Penalty goal: Jordan Hendrikse.