The Stormers edged the Scarlets 52-40 at DHL Stadium on Saturday in a match that produced 92 points and raised several injury concerns, with captain Paul de Villiers among the standout performers in a chaotic contest.
De Villiers played the full 80 minutes and earned an 8/10 rating, carrying for 30 metres and making 11 tackles while also claiming a turnover. His leadership was credited as a steadying influence as the Stormers were pushed hard by a Scarlets side that staged a significant second-half comeback after going in well behind at the break.
Haashim Pead matched De Villiers' rating of 8, delivering crisp service throughout and scoring his first Stormers try in combination with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. First-starter Markus Muller, 19, was composed despite the chaos around him and finished with a match-high three turnovers — a notable return for a midfielder making his debut in the run-on side.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributed his usual attacking sharpness but was undone by unforced errors, some of which proved costly. Seabelo Senatla crossed for a try before leaving with an injury early in the second half, replaced by Yaqeen Ahmed. Leolin Zas was caught out of position in defence on several occasions, earning a 5.
In the pack, Riley Norton led all players with 16 tackles, while Connor Evans contributed 39 metres and 11 tackles. Zachary Porthen made a rare start at loosehead and rewarded the selection with a try alongside a solid scrummaging display.
The match was disrupted by two early injury departures among the forwards. Hacjivah Dayimani lasted only 33 minutes before going off, and hooker André-Hugo Venter limped off after 37 minutes having impressed at the breakdown. Warrick Gelant, back in the starting XV, made several defensive errors but steadied the ship in the closing stages as the Stormers held on for the 12-point win.