The Capetonians scored two first half tries of their own – through fullback Warrick Gelant and scrumhalf Paul de Wet – to level by half-time as a prelude to a second half stalemate, in which neither team could fashion any kind of score.

In fact, the match scoring ended at the 39^th minute when DHL Stormers flyhalf Tim Swiel levelled the scores for the second time. The second half was in sharp contrast – neither side came close to scoring a try – and both flyhalves missed a single penalty chance.

The Stormers’ defence could take great credit for the scoreless half as they tightened up on a shocking start.

Edinburgh’s two tries in the opening five minutes owed as much to Stormers’ defensive confusion as slick handling by the home team. Gaps appeared in the rush, gaps were taken and wing Darcy Graham, and scrumhalf Ben Vellacott profited with hardly a hand laid on them.

The Stormers had given themselves a mountain to climb at 14-0 down in five minutes but they took the first steps in quick time. Gelant got their first try after the ball had passed through multiple hands in several phases.

Swiel converted from pretty much in front and exchanged penalties with former Lions’ No 10, Jaco van der Walt, before the Stormers drew level for the first time in the 33^rd minute.

A typically powerful run from No 8 Evan Roos created the opening for supporting De Wet to dive over near the poles. They shared the lead for only two minutes before Van der Walt reopened the lead with his fourth successful kick at goal.

Swiel’s equalizer, just before the break, merely seemed to be the prelude to a similarly cut-and-thrust second half. It certainly was that – it was just that nothing materialised on the scoreboard.

Scorers:

Edinburgh 20 (20) – Tries: Darcy Graham, Ben Vellacott. Conversions: Jaco van der Walt (2). Penalty goals: Van der Walt (2).

DHL Stormers 20 (20) – Tries: Warrick Gelant, Paul de Wet. Conversions: Tim Swiel (2). Penalty goals: Swiel (2).