The DHL Stormers were left shocked over the weekend as a highly impressive Ospreys side took down the URC’s most successful franchise in their own backyard.
Eventually succumbing to a 27 – 21 loss, the Stormers saw their race for a top-four spot take a major hit.
Despite being clearly second-best to the Ospreys on the day, the Stormers did show their trademark moments of attacking magic throughout the fixture.
One moment in particular that stands out was a sublime long-range effort that started inside the Stormer’s 22.
Gathering a clearance kick under pressure, fullback Warrick Gelant spun out of a tackle before flinging a pass out to centre Wandisile Simelane, who masterfully controlled the ball with his feet.
Looking up and facing three Osprey’s defenders, the man who has just joined the Stormers from the Bulls made a superb break through the defensive line.
Getting through that first line of defence, Simelane found support in flyhalf Manie Libbok, who in turn passed to his halfback partner Stefan Ungerer.
Making one final pass, Ungerer popped the ball to a sprinting Evan Roos, who outpaced the Ospreys cover defence to race away under the posts.
Adding some shine to what was a tough day, the Springbok number eight had a monster performance as he carried for over 100m with 11 successful carries and 2 line breaks.
Next up for the Stormers is a meeting with table toppers Leinster, who the Emirates Lions heavily beat during their round 14 clash.
For both sides, the match is critical to the rest of their season, with Leinster likely to lose top spot to Glasgow with a loss. On the other hand, a loss for the Stormers could see them drop outside the top eight sides with just three rounds to play.
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