The Stormers overturned a second-half deficit to kick off their 2026-27 URC campaign with a bonus-point triumph against Connacht at The Sportsground on Friday night.
The 29-15 victory for John Dobson’s men in Galway capped off speedster Leolin Zas’ 100th appearance for the Cape club in style, as well as avenged last season’s home defeat to the Irish province.
The Stormers trailed 12-10 at half-time, having led 10-0 after 37 minutes but surrendered their advantage as Connacht struck twice before the break.
The home team played 10 minutes of the contest with 14 men after No 8 Paul Boyle’s yellow card for a cynical infringement in the 54th minute.
The Stormers made the extra man count, outscoring Connacht by seven points during that period, replacement prop Sazi Sandi barging over under the posts off the back of a powerful maul.
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Dobson made several enforced changes to the Stormers side before kick-off, with loose forwards Evan Roos (hamstring) and Marcel Theunissen (calf) ruled out.
Riley Norton, initially named at lock, shifted to blindside flank in place of Louw Nel, who moved to No 6 and Gary Porter started in the second row. Utility back Wandisile Simelane replaced Theunissen on the bench.
Flyhalf Jurie Matthee opened the scoring with a penalty before fullback Warrick Gelant finished a clever grubber from debutant André Warner for the first try. Matthee added the extras as the visitors controlled the middle stages.
Warrick Gelant
He scores the DHL Stormers’ first try of the new season
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The hosts responded late, with winger Mack Hansen crossing after a quick pick-and-go, and No 15 Sam Gilbert converting, before flyhalf Josh Ioane crashed over from close range.
Sandi crossed the whitewash for Matthee to convert and put Dobson’s troops 17-15 in front before the final quarter.
Vernon Paulo then forced his way over to extend the lead, and the Stormers sealed victory in the closing seconds when fellow substitute and debutant Ezekiel Ngobeni finished a clever Gelant kick.
In round two, the Stormers travel to Edinburgh – 34-29 victors over Ulster in Belfast – next Friday, while Connacht head to Treviso to face Benetton.
CONNACHT – Tries: Mack Hansen, Josh Ioane. Conversion: Sam Gilbert. Penalty: Gilbert.
STORMERS – Tries: Warrick Gelant, Sazi Sandi, Vernon Paulo, Ezekiel Ngobeni. Conversions: Jurie Matthee (2) Yaqeen Ahmed. Penalty: Matthee.
Photo: @THESTORMERS/X
The post Stormers make winning start in Galway appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Stormers overturned a second-half deficit to kick off their 2026-27 URC campaign with a bonus-point triumph against Connacht at The Sportsground on Friday night.
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