Duane Vermeulen was the more consistent and ultimately more influential No 8 at Kings Park on Saturday, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Willem Alberts contributed with a couple of massive spot tackles during the first half, and managed to breach the gain-line when asked to carry the ball. However, it was Vermeulen who made more ground with ball in hand, and who got around the park to effect more tackles.

The game was in the balance until the final play, but Vermeulen and his forwards made a statement in the second half. It was by virtue of this collective effort, and indeed Vermeulen's leadership, that the Stormers were able to rattle the Sharks and win the game.

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