Stormers beat Leinster 35-0 to start URC season in Cape Town

The Stormers began the United Rugby Championship season with a commanding 35-0 victory over reigning champions Leinster at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday night, handing the Irish province their first league game without a score since 2008. The home side dominated possession and territory, scored four second-half tries and secured a bonus-point win in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Jurie Matthee finished with 20 points, kicking three penalties and three conversions and crossing for a late try, while Stefan Ungerer, Evan Roos and replacement Ruan Ackermann also went over. The Stormers established control up front, winning the scrum and lineout battles and using driving mauls to carve space in Leinster’s defence. The match was 6-0 at halftime before the Stormers broke the game open after the break.

Leinster started without their British and Irish Lions contingent and several other regulars, though Leo Cullen named a side containing 13 full internationals. The visitors struggled in the set piece and in the air, misfired at lineout time and conceded multiple penalties. Discipline also proved costly: Max Deegan and Tommy O’Brien both received yellow cards in the second half,...