Force thrashed by Stormers

CAPE TOWN - The Western Force have been thrashed 54-12 by the Stormers in their first Super 14 trial in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Stormers scored seven tries to two against an inexperienced Force side, most of whose Wallaby stars started on the bench.

Skipper and lock Nathan Sharpe made his return from a shoulder injury in the second half, but recruit and Wallabies prop Matt Dunning was sent off on his debut for the Force.

He will face a judiciary on Monday after allegedly punching a Stormers player late in the game.

The Force will play another South African side, the Sharks, on Tuesday in their last match of the three-team pre-season competition.

- AAP