Garrin Lambley

Cape Town - An injury-hit Stormers team have beaten the Blues in a rain-soaked Super Rugby match in Auckland on Friday.

The Stormers won 28-26 after trailling 19-3 at half-time.

The Stormers scored tries by centres Juan de Jongh and Johann Sadie and flank Schalk Burger. Flyhalf Lionel Cronje kicked a penalty and replacement Dewaldt Duvenage was successful with two conversions and two penalties.

The Blues replied with tries by scrumhalf Alby Mathewson and fullback Lachie Munro. Centre Luke McAlister was on target with both conversions as well as four penalties.

The Stormers picked up four points for their victory and extended their lead atop the South African Conference and stayed third in the overall standings.

The Blues left with a point for losing by seven or fewer points, and remained first and second in the New Zealand Conference and overall log respectively.

In next weekend's Round 15 action, the Blues have a bye while the Stormers travel to Canberra to face the Brumbies.

Teams:

Blues:
15 Lachie Munro, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 Tom McCartney

Substitutes: 16 Pauliasi Manu, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Chris Lowrey, 19 Sean Polwart, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Winston Stanley, 22 Rene Ranger

Stormers:
15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (captain), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Rynhardt Elstadt, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Wicus Blaauw

Substitutes: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Steven Kitshoff, 19 Anton van Zyl, 20 Dewaldt Duvenage, 21 Danie Poolman, 22 Nick Koster