Stormers shake off sloppy start to secure convincing win over Ulster

It was error-strewn performance from the home side at times, but they still had more than enough firepower to outgun an Ulster side missing eight Ireland internationals.

The Stormers made the brighter start and looked threatening early on, but a string of handling errors allowed Ulster to stay in touch before the visitors struck against the run of play in the 20th minute. Captain David McCann crashed over following a quick tap penalty, with Jack Murphy adding the conversion to give Ulster a 7-0 lead.

JD Schickerling powered over in the 34th minute after the Stormers finally managed to make their offloading game work, with Paul de Villiers and Ntuthuko Mchunu playing important roles in the build-up. Yaqeen Ahmed's conversion levelled the scores.

The hosts then took the lead in fortuitous fashion shortly before half-time. Seabelo Senatla's kick ahead put Ulster under pressure, and after a series of scrappy exchanges, De Villiers charged down an attempted clearance and gathered the ball to score.

The Stormers struck again almost immediately after the restart, with Evan Roos producing a spectacular 60-metre burst to score. A messy scrum saw Ulster's Matthew Devine under pressure, and his attempted pass back infield landed in Ahmed's hands before the flyhalf sent Roos racing through.

The Stormers finally put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages. Ruhan Nel claimed a well-judged kick pass from Ahmed in the 71st minute to score, before Ahmed added another conversion. The flyhalf then crossed himself six minutes later after a powerful carry and quick recycling of possession, with Hashim Pead providing the final pass. Ahmed converted to complete the 33-7 victory.

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