A Storming victory for happy Reds

Stormers Munster

24 26 MUNSTER ended Stormers’ 19-game winning streak in Cape Town.

The Reds also claimed a bonus point with Gavin Coombes’ late try adding to Diarmuid Barron’s first-half brace and a superb effort from wing Shane Daly.

Munster’s fast start was rewarded within two minutes when Barron broke off the back of a maul.

Referee Craig Evans initially said no try but then changed his mind as he noticed Barron had grounded the ball as he blew the whistle.

Seabelo Senatla was sent to the bin for a high tackle and Barron (above) surged off a maul again to charge over.

But Ruben van Heerden freed Frans Malherbe for the prop to claim his first URC try and Ruhan Nel then barged over from Dan du Plessis’ pass and Manie Libbok’s conversion made it 12-12 at the break.

Munster took the lead after 57 minutes as Mike Haley released Daly and the wing had the strength to shake off Senatla.

Stormers skipper Steven Kitshoff profited from a huge forward drive, although Libbok failed to tie the scores as his resulting kick fell wide.

Coombes then sneaked under a pile of bodies to secure a try bonus point.

Nel’s converted try in the final play ensured Stormers would leave with two bonus points.

CONNACHT marked Andy Friend’s final home game as their director of rugby with a 38-19 bonuspoint win over Cardiff.

It confirmed their play-off place and Champions Cup action next season.

Connacht led 26-7 at half-time thanks to tries from Diarmuid Kilgallen, Diarmuid Tierney-martin, Conor Oliver and Mack Hansen.

Thomas Young doubled Cardiff’s try tally in the 48th minute, adding to a Seb Davies effort, but a penalty try and a late score from Kieran Marmion wrapped up the result.

Despite flanker Young squeezing in a lastminute try, Cardiff fell short of a bonus point.