Rugby News

Munster Rugby suffer their first defeat to Stormers in URC tie in Cape Town

October 19, 2024

MUNSTER have suffered their first defeat to South African side DHL Stormers.

This Saturday afternoon in round five of the United Rugby Championship it finished Stormers 34, Munster 19.

Munster had won all four previous matches they had played against Stormers and before today were unbeaten in their last nine fixtures against South African opponents since their defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg in March 2022.

A week after defeat to Leinster and on the back of the round two URC loss to Zebre, this defeat to Stormers saw the home side secure a bonus point victory in stoppage time thanks to a Ruhan Nel try with the intercept.

There is little time to rest for Graham Rowntree’s side as they remain in South Africa to play The Sharks in Durban next Saturday, October 26.

Stormers, who had lost only one of their last nine home games in the URC, were 14-12 ahead at the break.

Their first try came before the stopwatch had reached six minutes. Munster were attacking when a pass from captain Tadhg Beirne left Jack Crowley under pressure. He tried a quick off-load but it was intercepted by Suleiman Hartzenberg, who raced 70-80 metres to touch down. Damian Willemse converted to put Munster on the backfoot early in Cape Town.

With memories of early Leinster scores a week earlier in Croke Park, this time Munster did respond.

Mike Haley looked to have hit back with a try on 11-minutes but it was ruled out.

Just six minutes later, Munster had their opening try. Shane Daly created the opportunity with a block down, the South Africans did recover the loose ball but failed to secure and Munster pounced with Beirne popping to Tom Farrell to touch down. Crowley added the extras to tie-up the contest with the 20th minute mark approaching.

Hooker Niall Scannell went for a HIA on 24-minutes and his replacement Eoghan Clarke made his presence felt within four minutes when he went over for a try after a rolling maul.

With no added conversion, the lead was to last less than 10-minutes with Marcel Theunissen scoring the second try for the home side on 43-minutes. Willemse converted and it was 14-12 to the home side.

Stormers, who won their last three matches against Irish provinces since Munster beat them in Limerick in November 2023, went in search of a third try before the break but Munster stood firm until the interval.

The new half was just six minutes old when Stormers did find a third try – Ruhan Nel scoring. The conversion left Munster trailing 21-12.

Munster had made a late change before the start with Seán O’Brien replacing Alex Nankivell at inside centre and then early in the second half Shane Daly was forced off injured. O’Brien then moved to the wing, Jack Crowley went to 12 and replacement Billy Burns was introduced at out-half.

After the early Stormers try in the half, chances were far and few between – the home side kicked to the corner Munster were penalised at the breakdown on 53-minutes but credit the Munster lineout who forced a mistake and lines were cleared.

As the game entered the final 10-minutes Munster had a life-line with a first score in over 40-minutes. A lineout and maul set up the position and Conor Murray almost profited to get over. But the chance wasn’t lost and Gavin Coombes eventually crossed after the reds went through the phases.

When Crowley converted it was 21-19 with 12 minutes to go.

Alas, Munster were then penalised at the breakdown and Willemse increased Stormers’ lead out to five points on 74-minutes.

On the restart, Munster were almost breached for a fourth time but for a try-saving tackle from Ruadhán Quinn. But possession wasn’t cleared and Willemse kicked a drop-goal to leave it 27-19 and time against Munster.

Indeed there was time for another score, but it was the bonus point securing try from the home side for a 34-19 win.

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