Stormers still lack title feel

Cape Town – Somehow, the Stormers have managed to stay clear of the early-season fog already beginning to envelope the SA conference in Super Rugby.

Notably imperfect for a second game on the trot, they nevertheless clung on desperately to pinch a dramatic 22-19 victory over the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday and stay unbeaten after three rounds: they command third spot on the overall table, just a point behind the Hurricanes and Chiefs.

But it took a fabulous, pile-of-bricks tackle over the try-line by Damian de Allende, their outstanding inside centre, on Lions substitute Howard Mnisi to preserve that status long after the siren had sounded.