The Stormers will take their defence of their United Rugby Championship crown to the Grand Final after they beat down the challenge of Connacht 43-25 at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
In a semifinal littered with initial errors the Stormers composed themselves before delivering a performance of power and poise to outflank an Irish team devoid of fire power but full of resolve and dogged determination.
Captain Steven Kitshoff splendidly helped regroup his troops as the Stormers thrilled with six well crafted tries but it was far from a blemish-free performance.
That they struggled to take complete control of proceedings can be put down to opponents who showed every bit of the mongrel Stormers coach John Dobson predicted they’d bring to Cape Town.
The Stormers too, however, are partly to blame for not taking a firmer grip. Their line-out lacked authority and they did not control the deck where Deon Fourie’s hand was missed.
The biggest URC crowd ever assembled (47,2srcsrc) for this clash and it took a while before it dawned on both teams they had better provide some bang for the buck of those who braved the cold.
Given the Galway-like conditions Connacht might have felt right at home with an enthusiastic south-easterly making its presence firmly felt.
However, inside the stadium with it’s wr
…. to be continued
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