The first half concludes when Pieterson clears the ball into the crowd. Disappointing scoreline for the Stormers. The visitors' kicking game has been poor and untidy, whilst their attacking play has lacked imagination. The Blues have been clinical with their chances, unimpressed by the Stormers' Springbok studded team-sheet. Second half on the way..

First Half Statistics:
Blues with 49% of territory and 45% of possession. They've missed 16 tackles in comparison to the Stormers' 4. But the Stormers have conceded 11 turnovers whilst the Blues have conceded only 5. 9 handling errors for the Blues and 3 for the Stormers.

Referee spots an off-side infringement and Blues return the lead to six from the resulting penalty. Despite the relentless Stormer pressure, Blues lead with a comfortable six points. Credit to their defence for absorbing the pressure. Stormers will have racked up some impressive stats this half but failing to influence the score-board.

Stormers are awarded another penalty when the Blues fail to roll away. This time, forty metres out and in front, they opt for the posts. Pieterson steps up to secure a sure three points, but the ball swerves wide of the posts! That's only his seventh missed kick this season; and that's two wasted penalties in comfortable positions. Six points gone a-begging.

That's not like him

Blues continue with their poor discipline at the breakdown this season. 5 penalties conceded in contrast to the Stormers' two. Stormers pick up another one when a Blue forward enters a ruck illegally on his own twenty-two. Stormers boldly opt for the corner, but the ball is fumbled mid-field and Blues clear from the ensuing scrum.

Mealamu forced off the field with his persistent calf injury.

Saili and Noakes shoot out of the line, presenting Pieterson with a gaping hole. He slips through and bolts down-field, linking with Aplon who's brought to ground a metre out. Two phases later they sweep the ball wide to De Jongh who looks to have grounded it. But the TMO rules against, and Stormers must settle for an offside penalty. Pieterson knocks it over.

Blues stretch the lead to six with another long range penalty attempt. Duvenage is the guilty party, engaging with Piri Weepu at the back of the scrum before the ball had popped out. Noakes converts it comfortably. Very physical first quarter!

A wayward pass by Kitsoff in the Blues' twenty-two gifts Halai with the opportunity of a try. He snaps the pass out of the air and tears down-field. The Stormers scramble to defend and succeed, forcing the kick ahead which rolls fortunately into touch.