Stormers 3-49 Lions: Warren Gatland’s men put defeat to South Africa ‘A’ behind them with seven tries to seal victory in Cape Town as captain Alun Wyn Jones makes a remarkable return from a dislocated shoulder
- After Tim Swiel had kicked the Stormers ahead, the Lions stepped on the gas
- The first-half tries came from Adam Beard, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jonny Hill
- Four further converted scores followed as Warren Gatland’s men ran riot
- Marcus Smith bagged all seven conversions on a strong debut for the fly-half
- Alun Wyn Jones also returned – three weeks after dislocating a shoulder
The Lions got their tour back on track against the Stormers as Warren Gatland’s men eased to victory in Cape Town.
After Tim Swiel had kicked the hosts ahead, Adam Beard settled visiting nerves with the first try of the match on 27 minutes before Luke Cowan-Dickie went over shortly afterwards, with both scores converted by late arrival Marcus Smith.
Stuart Hogg then fed Jonny Hill before Smith made it three from three from the tee, with Jack Conan continuing the scoring 10 minutes into the second period.
Warren Gatland’s men put defeat to South Africa ‘A’ behind them to easily beat the Stormers
Luke Cowan-Dickie, Louis Rees-Zammit and Sam Simmonds were among the scorers
Alun Wyn Jones then came returned to the fray just three weeks after suffering a dislocated shoulder against Japan, with the captain replacing Beard.
Tadhg Beirne was denied his fourth try with the Lions after scoring twice against the Sharks and once against the Japanese, with the Irishman’s effort ruled out following a forward pass from Duhan van der Merwe to Hogg.
Zander Fagerson then got in on the act as the team’s relentless forward pressure paid dividends before Smith kicked over once more.
Marcus Smith kicked all seven conversions on an impressive debut for the England fly-half
Tour captain Alun Wyn Jones made a remarkable return three weeks after injuring his shoulder
The youngest member of the squad, Welsh wing sensation Louis Rees-Zammit, added try number six after an effortless step by Smith saw him race from one end of the pitch to the other and set up his fellow rookie.
The Premiership’s top try scorer Sam Simmonds rounded things off with three minutes left, taking advantage of tired Stormers legs to saunter over after being set up by Exeter Chiefs team-mate Hogg.