Stormers player ratings vs Ulster | 2026/27 URC

Stormers player ratings: Richie Murphy’s Ulster arrived in Cape Town still searching for a first win of the season and, for 40 minutes, they were very much in the contest. The visitors profited from a steady stream of Stormers errors and asked plenty of questions through Matthew Devine’s sniping and David McCann’s industry. But with Wilco Louw and Ntuthuko Mchunu taking a sledgehammer to the scrum, and Evan Roos producing another reminder of his immense talent, the hosts eventually pulled clear.

Once Ulster’s accuracy dipped after the break, the Stormers took the game by the scruff and never really let go.

1. Ntuthuko Mchunu – 8.5
Comprehensively outpointed Keynan Knox in the scrum battle and carried that authority into the loose. A dominant afternoon from the loosehead, who was one of the key reasons Ulster spent so much of the game back-pedalling.

2. Vernon Paulo – 7
One of the Stormers’ busiest defenders and among their most frequent tacklers. Not flashy, but put in a serious shift in the engine room of the pack.

3. Wilco Louw – 8
Alongside Mchunu, he gave Eric O’Sullivan and Knox a torrid afternoon. The Stormers scrum turned into a major weapon and Louw was central to that dominance.

4. Adré Smith – 7
Solid throughout and got through a mountain of unseen work. Will probably be remembered equally for twice having his shorts accidentally removed, inadvertently mooning viewers.

5. JD Schickerling – 8
The big lock showed excellent support lines to charge over for a deserved try after slick handling involving De Villiers and Mchunu. Put himself about physically throughout.

6. Paul de Villiers – 8.5
A workhorse performance. Scored after charging down Jack Murphy following Michael Lowry’s hospital pass and also played a huge role in several attacking movements. Conceded a couple of penalties but still one of the Stormers’ best.

7. Louw Nel – 6
A quieter outing than Roos and De Villiers but still contributed strongly. One costly lineout spill dents his mark slightly.

8. Evan Roos – 9
Carried hard from the opening minutes and was constantly bending the gainline. His stunning 60-metre finish immediately after halftime effectively broke Ulster’s resistance. Seven defenders beaten and a constant menace before limping off injured. If he’s playing like this, it remains difficult to understand why he isn’t more prominent in Springbok discussions.

9. Cobus Reinach – 7
Not everything came off, including one frustrating spill during a promising counter, but his kicking game helped maintain pressure and there was a lovely box-kick after the break.

10. Yaqeen Ahmed – 8.5
Off to a flying start and never really slowed down. His distribution kept Ulster guessing, he finished with 13 points, delivered a superb kick-pass for Ruhan Nel’s score and got his own reward with a late try. A classy display from the young playmaker.

11. Leolin Zas – 7.5
Always looking to probe the edges and his relentless pressure game caused Ulster problems. Also won an excellent jackal penalty during the second half.

12. Ruhan Nel – 7
A typical no-nonsense captain’s innings. Didn’t overplay his hand, carried firmly and finished the game as a contest when he plucked Ahmed’s kick-pass out of the air to score. Missed a few tackles but led well.

13. Jonathan Roche – 6
A relatively quiet afternoon in midfield but equally did very little wrong. Solid rather than spectacular.

14. Seabelo Senatla – 7
Excellent in his work-rate and defensive pressure. Didn’t enjoy the headline moments in attack but his effort levels never dipped.

15. Damian Willemse – 6
At the heart of much of the Stormers’ best attacking rugby. Produced an excellent kick-and-collect and several dangerous counter-attacks. However, five turnovers conceded was a significant blot on the copybook and dragged down what could have been a much higher score.

Replacements – 8
Bongi Mbonambi’s return was warmly welcomed and the bench collectively made a bigger contribution than Ulster’s replacements. Haashim Pead was excellent after arriving, controlling territory smartly and combining well with Ahmed for the closing stages. Riley Norton added energy while the Stormers comfortably finished stronger than their opponents.