Ulster Falls to Stormers

Ulster traveled to Cape Town chasing their first victory of the United Rugby Championship season. They returned home with a 33-7 loss to the Stormers. The result keeps the Belfast club without a win in the current campaign. Coaches and pundits gave the visitors slim odds before the match. Nine key Ulster players had returned to Ireland to prepare for the Nations Championship. Analysts placed Ulster’s chance of winning at less than 10 percent.

The scoreline suggests a blowout, but the first half told a different story. Ulster scored first when captain David McCann ran over from a quick tap midway through the opening 40 minutes. The Stormers responded with a try by lock JD Schickerling to level the game. A young Springbok flanker added another score just before halftime. The halftime score was 12-7 in favor of the home team.

The second half shifted in the Stormers’ favor. Six minutes into the second stanza, number eight Evan Roos ran 70 meters for a solo try. That extended the lead to 19-7. The remainder of the match was marked by physical play and errors from both sides. Ulster held the ball for 56 percent of the game and controlled 55 percent of the territory. They also turned the ball over 12 times.

The Stormers sealed the result in the final 10 minutes. Captain Ruan Nel scored a try. Young player Y Ahmed added another try and a conversion. Ulster’s backline included Matthew Devine, who provided a threat on the flanks. Ethan McIlroy, the fullback, offered counter-attack speed. Tighthead prop Keynan Knox received a yellow card for a lineout infringement on the 30-minute mark.

Ulster’s squad included several players returning from international duty. The team now has a break before their next fixture on December 5. Coach Richie Murphy’s side will use that time to regroup. The loss extends their wait for a URC win. The Stormers finished the match with a dominant final score. Ulster’s performance in possession provided some solace despite the final tally.