Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

The pre-game quote that fired Stormers to win over Munster

Referee Andrea Piardi speaks with DHL Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat, left, and Munster captain Tadhg Beirne during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and DHL Stormers at Thomond Park in Limerick. (Photo By Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

There is now just one unbeaten team left in the BKT URC with the DHL Stormers having taken the spoils in an epic top-of-the-table clash with Munster Rugby.

ADVERTISEMENT

Both teams had won their opening five league matches, so something had to give at Limerick’s Thomond Park.

It looked as though Munster were going to capitalise on home advantage when they led 21-6 at half-time after running in three tries.

VIDEO

But the Stormers racked up 21 unanswered points after the break to win 21-27.

The game finished three tries apiece, but it was the goal-kicking of the league’s top points scorer Jurie Matthee that ultimately proved the difference.

The Player of the Match award went to the visitors’ flanker Paul de Villiers who said: “We knew we were going to be tested. Playing Munster in Limerick is a massive challenge.

“Being behind, we had to really dig deep and fight back. There were a few things that hadn’t gone our way, but the way we reacted to it and responded in that second half, hats off to the team.

“I read a quote before the game of someone saying ‘I believe in belief’ and I think that’s what we had and showed. Even though it was tough at times, that belief really came through. It was surely a team effort.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It’s good for us building and for the rest of the season.”

It’s a win that puts John Dobson’s Stormers two points clear at the top of the table a third of the way through the regular season.


To be first in line for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia tickets, register your interest here 

ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video
LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

2 Comments
u
unknown 11 days ago

Fair play to Stormers, deserved winners. 2nd half was tough on us but shows where the work needs to be done now.

E
Eric Elwood 13 days ago

The win was built on the scrum. Dobson showed a ruthless streak by subbing on 5 forwards early in the second half when Munster’s relentless attack was continuing unabated. That transformed the match and it suddenly appeared that Munster’s lead would not be enough.

Coombes had a brain fart trip leading to yellow which didn’t help and Crowley’s wrap around pass leading to an intercept try for Stormers could have been read by a class of toddlers. That said Stormers didn’t have the rub of the green until then so a deserved victory if Munster will be kicking themselves over the 0-21 second half score.

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

Close
ADVERTISEMENT