Jurie Mathee, the Stormers' flyhalf, was nothing short of spectacular, racking up 21 points and ensuring his team kept their winning streak alive in this year’s URC with a gritty 24-16 victory over Benetton in Treviso. This win marks a historic moment for the Cape Town squad, sealing their first-ever flawless tour and snapping the frustrating losing streak at Treviso.
The match kicked off with the Stormers asserting dominance, thanks to their formidable forwards who maintained a relentless pace. This early pressure paid dividends just five minutes in when Sazi Sandi bulldozed his way over the line for his second career try in Stormers colors, both of which interestingly have come against Benetton. The hosts weren’t just bystanders though; they clawed back into the game with Jacob Umaga, Benetton's flyhalf, nailing two long-range penalties.
As the game progressed, Benetton found their groove, highlighted by Louis Lynagh’s try, a masterpiece of backline interplay, putting the home side temporarily ahead after a successful Umaga conversion and another penalty. But the Stormers, fueled by determination, shifted the momentum back in their favor in the second half. Mathee’s boot was reliable as ever, slotting a crucial penalty and later diving over for a try, which he converted himself, to reclaim the lead for the visitors.
"Jurie Matthee flying high and finishing strong for @THESTORMERS!"
Despite a potential equalizing try from Benetton’s Leo Marin being disallowed due to a knock-on, spotted by referee Hollie Davidson with a little help from the TMO, the game remained tightly contested. Mathee’s late-game penalty and Ruan Ackermann’s last-minute try sealed a professional finish for the Stormers.
The URC is now pausing for a month-long international break, with the Stormers set to resume their campaign against Munster on November 29. With this victory, the Stormers not only cement their position at the top of the leaderboard but also set a high bar for the matches to come.
STORMERS – Tries: Sazi Sandi, Jurie Mathee, Ruan Ackermann. Conversions: Mathee (2). Penalties: Mathee (4).
BENETTON – Try: Louis Lynagh. Conversion: Jacob Umaga. Penalties: Umaga (3).