Cape Town - The Stormers put in a much-improved performance to record their first win of the 2013 Super Rugby season in beating the defending champion Chiefs at Newlands on Saturday.

The Stormers won 36-34 after leading 26-17 at half-time.

VIDEO: Stormers v Chiefs highlights

The Stormers scored three tries through wing Gio Aplon (2) and scrumhalf Nic Groom. Fullback Joe Pietersen added all three conversions as well as five penalties for a personal haul of 21 points.

The Chiefs replied with four tries through centres Charlie Ngatai (2) and Tim Nanai-Williams, and replacement back Andrew Horrell. Fullback Gareth Anscombe was on target with all four conversions as well as two penalties.

The Stormers picked up four points for their victory, but remained bottom of the South African Conference, while the Chiefs picked up two points for scoring four tries as well as losing by seven or fewer points, to extend their lead atop the New Zealand Conference.

In next weekend's Round 5 action the Stormers will enjoy a bye, while the Chiefs travel to Port Elizabeth to play the Kings on Friday (kick-off at 19:10 SA time).

Teams:

Stormers:

15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Aplon, 13 Jean de Villiers (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Substitutes: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Don Armand, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Dewaldt Duvenhage, 21 Peter Grant, 22 Gerhard van den Heever

Chiefs:

15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Tanerau Latimer, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Mahroni Schwalger, 1 Pauliasi Manu

Substitutes: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Ben Tameifuna, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Nick Crosswell, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Patrick Osborne

HAVE YOUR SAY: Impressive win by the Stormers - or a little fortuitous? Are the Stormers back on track in this year's Super Rugby? Send your thoughts to Sport24.