The DHL Stormers kept themselves in playoff contention with a 29-17 win over the Scarlets in the Vodacom URC on Saturday evening.
The match, held at Parc y Scarlets, saw the visitors dominate from the outset, giving us a much-welcomed display of their strength and strategic prowess.
The Stormers opened the scoring with a try from Ben Loader in the 13th minute, followed by another try from Deon Fourie just three minutes later.
The offloads 🤯 The footwork 🕺
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) March 22, 2025
This @TheStormers try is incredible 😎@Vodacom | #URC | #SCAvSTO pic.twitter.com/vSfOLT1GYV
Despite a missed conversion, the Stormers continued to apply pressure, leading to a 12-0 advantage.
Warrick Gelant played a crucial role in both tries, demonstrating skill and vision.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added a penalty to extend the lead to 15-7 at halftime.
The Scarlets managed to score through Ellis Mee, with Ioan Lloyd converting, but the Stormers' defence remained resolute.
The second half, however, did see the Stormers regain their momentum, with Leolin Zas scoring a brilliant try from a pre-planned line-out move, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu's conversion making it 22-7.
🔪🧈 #SCAvSTO #iamastormer @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/Sh8JR5Xqjg
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 22, 2025
The Scarlets attempted a comeback, but the Stormers' defence held firm.
Andre-Hugo Venter's late try, followed by another successful conversion from Feinberg-Mngomezulu, sealed the 29-17 victory.
When it mattered most. #SCAvSTO #iamastormer @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/1NUzeyvLmA
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 22, 2025
Feinberg-Mngomezulu was named man of the match for his outstanding performance, contributing significantly to the Stormers' win.
First match back and @sachgome10 claims the Man of the Match award. #SCAvSTO #iamastormer @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/KnVzkHpX07
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 22, 2025
The Stormers' win solidifies their position in the playoff race, with their current position of 8th on the overall log enough to qualify them for both this year's URC playoffs as well as participation in Next season Champions Cup tournament.
Despite the Scarlets' efforts, they were unable to match the visitors' intensity and execution.
SCORERS
Stormers: Tries: Ben Loader, Deon Fourie, Leolin Zas Zas, Andre-Hugo Venter. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3) Penalty: Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Scarlets:- Tries: Ellis Mee, Ioan Nicholas. Conversions: Ioan Lloyd (2).Penalty: Lloyd.