Ulster and the Stormers shared the spoils in a captivating 38-38 draw during a United Rugby Championship clash that featured 11 tries and a contentious finish at Affidea Stadium.
Neither side will be entirely satisfied with the outcome, though Ulster’s three points bolster their hopes of finishing in the top eight and securing a URC playoff spot. Their fate now hinges on next week’s season finale against Glasgow Warriors.
The Stormers, also earning three points, missed a chance to leap to the top of the standings, which would have guaranteed home advantage throughout the playoffs.
Ulster crossed for six tries, with Werner Kok notching a hat-trick, while Zac Ward, Michael Lowry, and Eric O’Sullivan also added their names to the scoresheet.
However, it was the Stormers’ fifth and final try that dominated the headlines. With time expired, Ulster’s Nathan Doak appeared to have secured victory by tackling and holding up Stormers winger Leolin Zas as he attempted to score. But a review penalized Doak for shoulder-to-head contact, resulting in a yellow card and a penalty try being awarded.
**First Half Full of End-to-End Action**
Ulster’s players had spoken throughout the week about staying focused on the URC despite the excitement of reaching the European Challenge Cup final, and they delivered on that promise by taking an early lead.
The visitors contributed to their own downfall for the game’s opening try. Pinned inside their own 22, the Stormers conceded an unnecessary line-out, and Ulster moved the ball through phases before Kok finished easily in the corner.
However, straight from the restart, the Stormers leveled the match as they punched holes in Ulster’s defense, with flanker Evan Roos diving over from close range.
Iain Henderson then received a yellow card for a croc-roll at the ruck, which was later upgraded to a 20-minute red card following a bunker review.
Ulster’s fortunes worsened when Jack Murphy was forced off for assessment after appearing to suffer a bad concussion. He would later return, but not before the Stormers capitalized fully. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu broke through two would-be Ulster tacklers in midfield to score the league leaders’ second try.
The South African center enjoyed a strong first half, adding a penalty to increase his side’s advantage.
Ulster has shown resilience throughout this season, and they continued that trend by applying sustained pressure on the Stormers’ line, resulting in another try. A beautifully floated pass from Doak to Kok allowed the winger to score his second.
Ulster’s scrum-half was exceptional in the first half, setting up his team’s third try as well. From a line-out and maul, Doak sent Ward over before converting, giving the home side a 21-17 lead as a breathless first half concluded.
**Dramatic Finish to a Thrilling Encounter**
The second half maintained the frantic pace, with the Stormers having an early try ruled out by the television match official after Lowry was tackled in the air while fielding a high kick.
From the resulting penalty and line-out, the visitors failed to gather Murphy’s up-and-under. When Ulster recovered and moved the ball swiftly to the right, it was Lowry on the end of the attack.
Doak, however, marred his performance with a clock violation on the conversion.
The end-to-end action continued. The Stormers