Matthee stars as Stormers seal first away win over Benetton and end URC tour unbeaten

The Stormers dug deep to grind out a hard-fought 31-16 comeback victory over Benetton in Treviso on Saturday evening, keeping their unbeaten start to the United Rugby Championship (URC) season intact.

Trailing 8-16 at halftime, the visitors at the Stadio Monigro showed character and composure in the second stanza, with flyhalf and Player of the Match Jurie Matthee stepping up brilliantly to steer his side to a crucial win on the road. It was also their first-ever victory over the Italian side away from home.

Benetton made the stronger start in front of their rowdy supporters, dominating territory and possession and the scraps that came with it to take a deserved lead before the break. Their physicality up front and sharp kicking game tested the Stormers’ defence, and the Capetonians looked a step off the pace in the opening forty minutes.

However, that was expected after they made eight changes to the starting XV for the final tour clash. They also lost winger Seabelo Senatla, a force under the high ball, early on.

The hosts had the upper hand for most of the first half, with the Stormers only having an early score from tighthead Sazi Sandi and a penalty off the boot of Matthee to show for their efforts. In control, Benetton could’ve extended their lead right before halftime when they had a penalty in front of goal; however, a kick by flyhalf Jacob Umaga sailed past the uprights.

Before that, he was on point with his kicking, slotting penalties from 50 metres out a couple of times.

Matthee, showing his calmness, was flawless from the kicking tee and had a couple of good runs with the ball in hand, contributing 21 points through a mix of penalties, conversions and his try.

Defensively, the Cape side was outstanding despite that one try they conceded, keeping Benetton scoreless throughout the second half. The hosts had a vital five-pointer cancelled out after a knock on in the build-up, thanks to the Stormers’ defensive pressure.

Their discipline and work rate at the breakdown also shut down any late comeback attempt from the hosts, sealing a win built on resilience and tactical execution in the second forty. It wasn’t pretty, but it was exactly the kind of gritty performance the Stormers needed to close out their tour on a high.

Points scorers

Stormers 31 (8): Tries: Sazi Sandi, Jurie Matthee, Adré Smith. Conversions: Matthee (2). Penalties: Matthee (4). Benetton 16 (16): Try: Louis Lynagh. Conversion: Jacob Umaga. Penalties: Umaga (3).