Stormers grind down Connacht in URC season opener
South African side the Stormers came from behind to beat Connacht 22-15 away in the United Rugby Championship's opening match, overpowering the Irish hosts in the closing stages.
The United Rugby Championship's new season kicked off in Galway with the Stormers edging out Connacht 22-15 in a contest that swung several times before the South African visitors' physicality told late on.
After a cagey opening, the Stormers struck first when Warrick Gelant finished off a spell of pressure on the left wing, chasing a well-placed kick to score the game's opening try. Jurie Matthee, who had earlier kicked a penalty, added the conversion.
Connacht hit back with two tries in quick succession before the break. Mack Hansen, playing his first match back after a long spell out with a foot injury, crossed the line, and moments later Josh Ioane finished a flowing move started by a turnover, sending the hosts into half-time in front.
The second half opened with Connacht again under threat, but Sam Gilbert produced a crucial defensive play to prevent a try, getting underneath the ball-carrier before he could ground it. As the half progressed, the Stormers gradually asserted control, and a multi-phase attack ended with Sazi Sandi crossing to put the visitors back in front with around 25 minutes remaining.
With Connacht's players tiring, the Stormers pulled away in the closing stages, adding further tries through Vernon Paulo and Ezekiel Ngobeni. Yaqeen Ahmed's conversion sealed a seven-point winning margin at the final whistle, giving the Cape Town side a winning start to their campaign.
