Stormers humble Crusaders in Cape Town

Stormers 49 Crusaders 28

CAPE TOWN - Breyton Paulse scored two tries against the Crusaders to keep alive the Stormers outside hopes of reaching the Super 12 semifinals.

Stormers beat the defending champions 49-28 after Paulse struck in the 14th and 40th minutes, equalling the South African record of 19 tries in the Super 12.

Three tries in a 10-minute period either side of halftime sealed victory for the hosts as they went from 17-14 to 36-14, on the way to their highest total in the Super 12.

Stormers dominated possession and territory and only two late tries by Scott Robertson and Justin Marshall gave the Crusaders' score a slightly more respectable look.

Crusaders centre Mark Robinson opened the scoring with a try in the fifth minute.

But the Stormers struck back in the 14th minute when Paulse sprinted 40 metres after a quick throw from touch by number eight Bob Skinstad gave him space to out-flank the cover defence.

On the half hour, wing Werner Greeff touched down under the poles after centre De Wet Barry carved a hole in the Crusaders midfield.

Crusaders fullback Leon MacDonald then narrowed the gap with a strong solo try which saw him escape several feeble tackles.

Paulse struck at the end of the half, and two tries in the first nine minutes of the second period by lock Hottie Louw and replacement second-rower Robbie Brink gave the hosts an unassailable lead.

They stretched the lead to 49-14 when replacement wing Pieter Rossouw raced 90 metres from an interception to announce his return to top flight rugby.

The win takes the Stormers to 15 points on the table after seven matches while the Crusaders are also on 15 points from seven games.

- REUTERS