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Leinster 'Light' fall to Stormers but secure URC top ranking
By PA
Leinster confirmed their place as top seeds in the United Rugby Championship quarter-finals despite being beaten 20-13 by the Stormers in Cape Town.
A losing bonus point means that Leinster cannot be caught at the top as they guaranteed themselves a home play-off.
The Stormers are also well-placed for a home tie and they were good value for their victory.
Second-half tries by full-back Warrick Gelant and wing Seabelo Senatla put the Stormers in charge, before a penalty try sealed victory.
Leinster had two players sin-binned during the second period, yet they were level after an hour following prop Ed Byrne’s try that Harry Byrne converted, while Ciaran Frawley kicked two earlier penalties.
The Stormers, nine points behind Leinster before kick-off, thought they had gone ahead inside 60 seconds, but centre Ruhan Nel’s touchdown was disallowed for obstruction.
It was an early warning sign for the visitors, though, and they fell behind when Manie Libbok landed a 15th-minute penalty.
Leinster needed to find a way into the game, and they managed it on the back of some outstanding work by number eight Rhys Ruddock, before two Frawley penalties put them 6-3 ahead.
And that proved the end of the scoring during an attritional opening 40 minutes when the Leinster forwards gave as good as they got to leave their hosts frustrated.
The Stormers, though, had hinted at prising open Leinster’s defence before half-time, and they duly stung their opponents with two tries in eight minutes during the third quarter.
The home side were helped by having a temporary one-man advantage when Leinster hooker John McKee was sin-binned for collapsing a maul, but they took maximum advantage.
Gelant crossed for the first score after 45 minutes, then Senatla emulated him as the Stormers opened up a seven-point lead.
It was a worrying period in the game for Leinster, yet they hit back impressively, drawing level on the hour after sustained forward pressure ended with Ed Byrne going over for a try and Harry Byrne converting.
But they were only level for six minutes as referee Craig Evans awarded the Stormers a penalty try after Leinster collapsed a maul and scrum-half Cormac Foley received a yellow card.
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Latest Comments
Thanks for a most interesting article, Brett. The build up to Lions tours is always fun, and these articles are great for discussion, and in my case education, as I don’t always get round to watching all the Super games fully.
For example I had not realised Hodgeman was 31, thought he was younger. So he is right in that age bracket where props down the ages often reach their peak. With his NZ background, he is a huge asset to have, first at Qld, second for the WB’s.
Daugunu, yes, and the time at the Rebels has seen his game refined, he is strong candidate. The player I would add to the list is Josh Canham. Not many mentioning him atm, but at 2.02 m and 116 kgs, and the way he is playing for the Reds, I would be looking at him as strong WB squad member. Uru I really like, as he brings a lot of flair with his game.
Good to hear you report that Schmidt is now not ruling Langi Gleeson out of Lions games contention. Wise move, as he is having now a very strong season, even outstanding. Good to see potential now being realised.
I would think Carlo Tizzano would also be one that Schmidt is looking at with interest. He has workrd hard to get to where he now is, and is having a very strong season. Sam Cane type player, a hard man. I guess he is a worthy successor to that great Force 7 of times past, Matt Hodgson.
Go to commentsIDK what your on about, a lot of people down here were very much tuned in on the All Blacks
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