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Stormers cruise past Benetton in Stellenbosch

By PA
Paul de Wet issues instructions for the Stormers. Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images

The Stormers consolidated a top-three finish in the United Rugby Championship by defeating Benetton 38-22 at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

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The reigning URC champions did not hit top gear, but they had more than enough to see off the European Challenge Cup semi-finalists.

Stormers will be at home in next month’s title play-offs, and they warmed up for that knockout phase by claiming a maximum five points.

Flanker Willie Engelbrecht scored two tries, while there were also touchdowns for wing Angelo Davids, hooker JJ Kotze, full-back Clayton Blommetjies and replacement Marcel Theunissen, with fly-half Manie Libbok kicking four conversions.

Benetton led until just before half-time and they claimed tries from back-row forwards Alessandro Izekor and Manuel Zuliani, with Tomas Albornoz adding one conversion and a penalty, while they also collected a late penalty try.

But Benetton never seriously threatened to upset the form guide, and they must now regroup before next weekend’s Challenge Cup last-four clash against Toulon in France.

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Tom 59 minutes ago
Eben Etzebeth staring at huge ban after another red card

Well… I'd say the modern Boks are not a particularly violent team but it's impossible to getaway with much violence on an international rugby field now. The Boks of yesteryear were at times brutal. Whether or not the reputation is justified, they do have that reputation amongst a lot of rugby fans.

As for point 2.. it's a tricky one, I don't want to slander a nation here. I'm no “Bok hater”, but I've gotta say some Bok fans are the most obnoxious fans I've personally encountered. Notably this didn't seem to be a problem until the Boks became the best in the world. I agree that fans from other nations can be awful too, every nation has it's fair share of d-heads but going on any rugby forum or YouTube comments is quite tedious these days owing to the legions of partisan Bok fans who jump onto every thread regardless of if it's about the Boks to tell everyone how much better the Boks are than everyone else. A Saffa once told me that SA is a troubled country and because of that the Boks are a symbol of SA victory against all odds so that's why the fans are so passionate. At least you recognise that there is an issue with some Bok fans, that's more than many are willing to concede. Whatever the reason, it's just boring is all I can tell you and I can say coming from a place of absolute honesty I encounter far, far more arrogance and obnoxious behaviour from Bok fans than any other fanbase - the kiwis were nothing like this when they were on top. So look much love to SA, I bear no hatred of ill will, I just want to have conversations about rugby without being told constantly that the Boks are the best team in the world and all coaches except Rassie are useless etc



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