Stormers’ belief grows after landmark URC triumph over Munster in Limerick

The Stormers are starting to believe they can win anywhere. Their dramatic comeback victory over Munster at Thomond Park — their first ever there in the United Rugby Championship (URC) — has only strengthened that belief.

The inaugural champions edged the clash in Limerick 27–21 after trailing 6–21 at halftime, with the hosts firmly in control for most of the opening stanza.

The Cape side struggled for rhythm and couldn’t generate much on attack, yet they hung in just well enough before the break to keep themselves within striking distance.

After a sharp halftime talk and a few well-timed substitutions, the Stormers roared back with three unanswered tries to complement a pair of penalty goals. Their defence tightened brilliantly, shutting out Munster completely in the second half to seal a memorable victory.

They now stand as the only unbeaten team in the URC and the outright log leaders after six matches in the new season.

“Munster were absolutely superb in the first half when everything went wrong for us, and they put us under pressure in the way they physically stood up to us,” director of rugby John Dobson said.

“It caused us some issues. They cleaned us off double tackles and put our defence under massive pressure to concede three tries in a half. That is a credit to them. It was probably our worst defensive performance in the tournament for a while.

“Our discipline was also poor. But, we always had a plan with the six forwards coming on at the same time, and we trained it at the captain’s session (Friday)”

However, the Stormers knew if they were behind by 10 or 15, then they had a chance.

With a new pack on the field and a second-half wind, the Cape side turned things around and flattened their hosts. They won the battle at scrum time, leading to penalties on attack and defence. The fresh forwards also started to dominate the collisions more and won the tackle-fight to keep Munster from crossing again.

Even without their Springbok stars, who still played a Test against Wales on Saturday, the visitors looked like a URC title-challenging squad.

Debutant winger Dylan Maart scored a game-changing try off a cross-field kick. The experience of former Scottish international Oli Kebble, making his return to the Stormers, further weaponised the scrum.

“The guys who started must not think they are poor. This team will always get itself off the canvas; we did it in Treviso. We have been a poor travelling team; however, that is four (away) wins in a row.

“It was a complete team effort. Even for Clinton Swart (replacement back), who had to sit on the bench the entire game. He understands his role. Dylan, who has never been on a plane overseas, scores a try on debut, which is very special. We did not help him in the first half with our defensive effort.

“Playing for 20 minutes in the first half also contributed, but this fight in the team and our depth gives us hope. We are building something here.”

The Stormers reported no injury concerns from the clash as they head to Bayonne, France, for the first pool match of the European Champions Cup on Friday evening.