Dominating Connacht, the Stormers managed a 43-25 win over the Irish and sailed right through to another final in the URC. But, as much as the score speaks to the Stormers domination, the win did not come without a fight. The STormers had to fight hard to secure their victory as the Irish were just as determined.

Heading into the final as the reigning URC Champions gives the Stormers a confidence boost but it won’t be until the conclusion of the other semi-final with Munster against Leinster that the side will know what they are up against. If Munster is to win, it will confirm a home final for the Stormers, but if the victory is claimed by Leinster they are to host the final. 

It was Connacht’s Jack Carty who opened the scoring with a penalty goal in the 4th minute, soon followed by a try from Mack Hansen, initially putting the Irish in the lead. Fighting back from a deficit, the Stormers managed to end the first half with a 24-13 lead against the visitors.

The second half proved to be a neck on neck battle as both sides showed determination to secure a victory. With 5 minutes left on the clock, the Stormers had a narrow lead with the score standing on 31-25.

The last 5 minutes saw a surge from the home side as they pushed to secure two more tries and a conversion from Libbok. Marcel Theunissen scored in the 77th minute and Ruhan Nel touched down right before the final whistle opening the floor to yet another conversion from Manie Libbok.

Libbok was undoubtedly the star of the show as he managed to rake in 23 of the Stormers 45 points this afternoon. Two tries, five conversions and a penalty goal from Libbok alone speaks to his success and ultimately the Stormers victory today. 

Scorers:

Stormers
Tries: Angelo Davids, Manie Libbok 2, Paul de Wet, Marcel Theunissen and Ruhan Nel
Conversions: Manie Libbok 5
Penalty: Manie Libbok

Connacht 25
Tries: Mack Hansen, Conor Oliver, Shamus Hurley-Langton and Byron Ralston
Conversion: Jack Carty
Penalty: Jack Carty

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport