Sunwolves denied by late Stormers surge

Sunwolves were denied their first victory over an established Super Rugby side in the final 20 minutes as Stormers finished with a flourish in Singapore.

A glut of first-half points put the Japanese franchise in touching distance of only their second victory on Saturday – their previous success coming against fellow newboys Jaguares last season.

Derek Carpenter, Shota Emi and Liaki Moli all crossed as Sunwolves took a 24-20 lead into the break, and when Carpenter grabbed his second early in the second half that advantage stretched to 11 points.

They were unable to hold on, however, as Stormers found their feet in the closing stages to win 44-31.

Wilco Louw, Dewaldt Duvenage, Bongi Mbonambi and Bjorn Basson all scored to keep their 100 per cent record intact and secure a record eighth successive regular season victory.

FULL TIME – @THESTORMERS come back in the second to win a high scoring affair over @sunwolves #SUNvSTO #SuperRugby https://t.co/VgvFbRqWzr pic.twitter.com/JOM7cyCYJS

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) March 25, 2017

After three-successive defeats the Blues got back to winning ways against the Bulls thanks to a stunning second-half blitz.

The two sides were tied at 7-7 at the break but as the Bulls tired they were duly punished, the Blues running in five tries – including a double from Matt Duffie.

Thirty one points came the way of the Blues after the break, completing a comprehensive 38-14 win that lifts them into fourth place in the Australasian Group.

Our boys lit up QBE Stadium tonight with some electrifying tries! Bring on the Force next weekend #BLUvBUL #BluesAllDay pic.twitter.com/Cg5hmr0Wu4

— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) March 25, 2017

Aki Seiuli completed another comeback in Canberra as the Highlanders scored 13 unanswered points to snatch an 18-13 victory over Brumbies.

Seiuli crossed with eight minutes remaining to wrap up the points for the visitors, although they had to withstand two late attacks before the celebrations could begin.

TRY! – @akiseiuli crosses from close range to push the Highlanders into the lead! #HighlandersANDYou #BRUvHIG

— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) March 25, 2017

WE DID IT!!!#HighlandersANDYou #BRUvHIG

— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) March 25, 2017