Stormers hammer Lions to close gap to URC leaders

The Stormers have moved to within three points of United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster with a 40-8 thrashing of the Lions at Cape Town Stadium.

The URC title holders made it eight wins from 10 starts in this season's competition with a bonus-point success.

Full-back Damian Willemse and hooker Dean Fourie scored early tries as the Stormers threatened to embark on a points spree.

But the Lions, currently the only South African side outside the league's top eight, did not throw in the towel.

Centre Dan du Plessis added a third Stormers try before the interval, and wing Angelo Davids scored shortly afterwards following Henco van Wyk's touchdown for the Lions, while Jordan Hendrikse kicked a penalty.

Hendrikse's opposite number Manie Libbok booted five conversions, including the extras for Davids' second touchdown 13 minutes from time and a late Marcel Theunissen score.