Near perfection: Stormers’ historic Treviso win extends URC streak

Stormers star Damian Willemse soldiered on through a hamstring injury to help the Cape side register their first-ever unbeaten overseas opening tour in the United Rugby Championship (URC) after defeating Benetton 31-16.

It was also a maiden victory in Treviso, keeping their flawless start to the new season intact and the four points ensured they remained top of the official log heading into the November Test break.

While his decision to keep playing could jeopardise his readiness for the Springboks’ year-end tour, it showed just how much securing a victory against Benetton meant to the former URC champions.

John Dobson, director of rugby, praised his troops for their fight and Willemse for his bravery in helping the team get over the line.

“Damian had a pulled hamstring and probably put his (Springbok) tour at risk,” Dobson said.

“But the fact that he didn’t want to come off and wanted to keep playing for the Stormers was very special. He was moved to the wing so that he didn’t have to defend too much, and that was very smart from the leadership group. It sums up the character of this side.

After losing winger Seabelo Senatla to an early injury, the backline had to be reshuffled to accommodate Wandisile Simelane in midfield. Despite a grinding first half, the Stormers claimed the lead shortly after the restart thanks to a try by flyhalf Jurie Matthee.

He also contributed 21 points — 18 of them in the second half — while replacement lock Adré Smith powered over the try line to seal the historic victory.

The Cape side will now head into the November break full of confidence and momentum ahead of another tough away clash at the end of the month against Munster.

“It was a very special win for us. We haven’t won here before, and it was a really tough game against an international-laden team.

"The first half was very physical. They played with different tactics to what we’ve faced previously.

“While other teams kicked the ball out against us, they kicked contestables upon contestables. At half-time, we were still in the fight. How we reacted to those contestable kicks initially wasn’t good, but we got it right in the second half.

“Tactically, we kicked exceptionally well through Jurie, Warrick Gelant and the scrumhalves. This is a massive feeling. To go unbeaten on tour — for a team that traditionally travels poorly — is a very special achievement.”

Dobson also praised the impact of the replacement bench, saying they made a big difference in closing out the game.