The Crusaders withstood fierce Stormers pressure at the death to claim a hard-fought 19-14 victory in front of a packed Newlands in Super Rugby on Saturday.
The Stormers were left to regret their decision not to take the points from three kickable penalties in the final 10 minutes, as they instead went for the winning try but found their path blocked by the resolute defence of the New Zealand side.
The home team was also guilty of committing too many errors over the course of the match, losing six of its own lineouts, allowing the more consistent Crusaders to come away with the spoils.
The difference between the two sides, who scored one try apiece, was a conversion and extra penalty by Tyler Bleyendaal, playing in place of Dan Carter.