The Western Stormers moved within one point of Super 14 leaders and fellow South Africans the Northern Bulls on Friday after crushing Canterbury Crusaders of New Zealand 42-14 in a top-four clash at Newlands.
After turning five points ahead, Stormers overcame the half-time retirement of injured Springbok wing Bryan Habana to score three tries and move closer to a home semi-final in the southern hemisphere championship.
Center Jaque Fourie scored two tries and Fijian Sireli Naqelevuki one and the other 27 points came from the boot of fly-half Peter Grant via three conversions and seven penalties.
PHOTO: EPA
Flyhalf Dan Carter converted his own try and another from fullback Colin Slade in a sad 100th Super appearance for Crusaders flanker and skipper Richie McCaw.
Both teams were suffered from Australian-induced hangovers with Stormers losing narrowly to surprise packets Queensland Reds on the last leg of their Australasia tour while Crusaders suffered a shock defeat at Western Force.
Crusaders were penalized for obstruction from the kick-off before a 48,000 crowd and Grant slotted the penalty to give the home team the lead just 68 seconds into the match.
Grant landed a second penalty on seven minutes and the Stormers were six points ahead after All Blacks icon McCaw fell foul of Australian referee Stuart Dickinson.
But within a minute, Grant took too long to clear a pass from scrum-half Dewaldt Duvenage and his kick was charge down by rival pivot Carter, who gathered a kind bounce and dived over.
Stormers responded with a multi-phase attack only for fullback Gio Alpon to be blown after not releasing the ball, but Grant landed his third penalty with 21 minutes gone to put the home team in front again.
Usually deadly place kickers Carter and Grant missed a penalty attempt each as the Stormers applied pressure and prop Brok Harris lost possession just five yards from the Canterbury line.
Another multi-phase assault from the Cape Town franchise came to an end when No. 8 Duane Vermeulen was penalized for obstruction before a fourth Grant penalty extended the lead to five points.
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