URC: Stormers, Sharks thrill in pre-season openers

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Suleiman Hartzenberg scored four tries to guide the Stormers XV to a dominant opening pre-season victory over the SWD Eagles, while the Sharks claimed a thrilling win over the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday.

The Stormers XV scored 14 tries on their way to a convincing 94-7 win in a pre-season friendly in George on Friday night.

Young backline star Hartzenberg scored four tries on his own, while captain Junior Pokomela got a double in a dominant display which ensured a good pre-season hit-out for 26 players.

The Stormers did, however, lose experienced centre Juan de Jongh to a knee injury early in the first half, shortly before new recruit Clayton Blommetjies reached over for the opening try of the match.

Stormers XV – Tries: Clayton Blommetjies, Junior Pokomela (2), Adre Smith, Suleiman Hartzenberg (4), Marcel Theunissen, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Godlen Masimla, Chris Hollis, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel. Conversions: Kade Wolhuter (12).

Earlier in the day, a try from wing Thaakir Abrahams was the decider as the Sharks snatched a 45-43 win over the Lions at Ellis Park.

Fullback Aphelele Fassi and hooker Dan Jooste grabbed two tries each for the Sharks, who went into the break 24-19 behind.

Marius Louw had a solid first hit-out in a Lions jersey, having completed the move from Durban to Johannesburg last month.

Young flank Sibusiso Sangweni scored two tries for the home side.

Lions – Tries: Francke Horn, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Sibusiso Sangweni (2), Rabs Maxwane. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (2), Tiaan Swanepoel (3). Penalty: Swanepoel.

Sharks — Tries: Yaw Penxe, Thembelani Bholi, Aphelele Fassi (2), Dan Jooste (2), Thaakir Abrahams.Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2), Lionel Cronje, Boeta Chamberlain (2).

Photo: Twitter: @TheStormers

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Dylan Jack