Ill-disciplined Stormers pay the price in URC semi-final loss to Leinster

It was a match the visitors will feel they could have won but for a few key lapses in composure when it mattered most.

The hosts struck first through Rieko Ioane after sustained early pressure, with Sam Prendergast adding the conversion before extending the lead with two penalties as Leinster dominated territory and possession in the first 20 minutes.

The Stormers weathered the storm, however, and struck back just before the half-hour mark when Adre Smith powered over from close range, before Jurie Matthee added a penalty to cut the deficit to 13-8 at half-time after a resilient defensive stand to deny Leinster at the death.

Matthee reduced the gap further early in the second half with another penalty, but the Stormers' momentum was halted when Leolin Zas was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on.

Despite some resistance, including a superb 50:22 from Ruhan Nel and a period of territorial relief, the Stormers were increasingly stretched as Leinster's bench and tempo began to tell.

The match swung decisively in the final quarter when Ruan Ackermann was shown a yellow card for a reckless shoulder charge, which was later upgraded to a red after a review.

Scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park then delivered the killing blow when he sniped over for a crucial try, which also led to a somewhat suspect yellow card for Salmaan Moerat, as Leinster were able to hold on for the win against 13 men.

READ MORE: Magnificent Bulls stage almighty comeback to book their place in URC final