Harlequins delivered a commanding performance at Twickenham Stoop, overpowering the Stormers to inflict their first defeat this season.
The Stormers suffered a heavy 61-10 defeat to Harlequins in London on Saturday afternoon. It marked the Captonians’ first loss of the season in all competitions.
Harlequins dominated from the opening exchanges and never allowed the visitors into the contest. The final score reflected sustained pressure, attacking efficiency and defensive lapses from the Stormers.
FIRST HALF RECAP: HARLEQUINS’ FAST START SETS TONE
Harlequins wasted little time asserting control at Twickenham Stoop. Flanker Jack Kenningham crossed early after repeated pressure close to the Stormers’ line. Moments later, a charged-down kick sat perfectly for Cadan Murley to score. The hosts continued to exploit space as the Stormers struggled to exit their half.
Captain Alex Dombrandt powered over for a third try from close range. Kenningham then chased a clearance to keep play alive for the bonus-point score. Chandler Cunningham-South reacted quickest to bundle the loose ball over. Nick David added another before halftime as Harlequins ran in five unanswered tries. Despite a late attacking line-out opportunity, the Stormers entered the break scoreless.
SECOND HALF RECAP: HOSTS MAINTAIN RELENTLESS PRESSURE
If the first half belonged to Harlequins, the second followed a similar pattern. David struck twice early after the restart to complete a well-taken hat-trick. His finishing highlighted continued defensive issues for the Stormers out wide.
Zach Carr then crossed to push Harlequins beyond the 50-point mark. The home side maintained tempo, moving the ball efficiently and stretching the defence. Jarrod Evans added another late score as Harlequins eclipsed 60 points. Marcus Smith contributed eight successful conversions to complete the scoring.
The Stormers briefly responded midway through the second half. Replacement scrumhalf Imad Khan finished after Damian Willemse found space through midfield. Replacement loose forward Wandile Mlaba played a key role in the build-up.
Wing Dylan Maart later added a second try after sustained attacking pressure. However, those moments did little to change the momentum of the contest. Harlequins quickly reasserted control and closed the match comfortably.
