Stormers pip Hurricanes with late try in Super Rugby clash

A LATE Deon Fourie push-over try set up Western Stormers for a 19-18 win over Wellington Hurricanes.

Deon Fourie of the Stormers.

A LATE Deon Fourie push-over try set up Western Stormers for a 19-18 win over Wellington Hurricanes in a tense Super Rugby struggle at Newlands.

Fly-half Demetri Catrakilis converted from near the touchline and the South Africans won a match they seemed likely to lose after trailing 12-6 at half-time.

Catrakilis gave another faultless goalkicking performance, also slotting four penalties for a 14-point haul before an often subdued crowd.

New Zealand wings Julian Savea and Cory Jane scored a try each for the visitors and fly-half Beauden Barrett converted one and landed two penalties.

It was a match Stormers dared not lose after a shock defeat by fellow South Africans Golden Lions last weekend, and a tough four-match tour of Australasia starting next weekend.

Hurricanes, who began their season by failing badly against the Coastal Sharks in Durban, will be disappointed at not ending an eight-year losing streak in Cape Town.

“It was better than last weekend,” Stormers and Springboks captain and centre Jean de Villiers said.

“This has been a tough week with many harsh words after the Lions loss.

“Had I been offered a one-point win before the game, the answer would have been 'yes'. Let us give credit to the Hurricanes — they are a tough, quality side.”

All Blacks and Hurricanes centre and skipper Conrad Smith said: “Rugby can be a cruel game as we played really well only to lose at the death.”

“Our defence was outstanding and I am really proud of the boys. A couple of tour defeats is disappointing, but there is a long season ahead.”