Cape Town - Flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis was in fine form on his return from injury as he guided Western Province to victory over the EP Elephants on Sunday.

It was Du Plessis's first competitive match for over a year after battling with a hip injury that required surgery in the United States.

Now, finally, he seems to be back to full fitness and he scored two tries in WP's 59-12 SuperSport Challenge win against the Elephants in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

"Coming back, especially after such a lengthy lay-off, was always going to be an obstacle and a challenge," the 23-year-old was quoted as saying on SuperSport after his comeback.

"But I must give credit to (coach, John Dobson) Dobbo, the coaching staff and the conditioning coach because this team is well-conditioned.

"In the first game of the season you never know what to expect but I think we were pretty well prepared mentally and physically for the game, and for me I just wanted to be out there and get as many minutes as possible."

Du Plessis lasted 76 minutes before being replaced on Saturday.

There was more good news for the Stormers with tighthead prop Frans Malherbe also getting some valuable minutes under the belt.

The 27-year-old, who has also been out for a long time with a neck injury, got 56 minutes before being replaced at Wolfson Stadium.

The Stormers, who have slipped to the bottom of the South African Conference in Super Rugby after Saturday's 24-17 loss to the Sharks, host the Rebels in Cape Town on Friday.