Ulster undone by five-try Stormers in Cape Town
The Stormers beat Ulster 33-7 in Cape Town, extending Ulster’s wait for a first United Rugby Championship win this season. Ulster have drawn twice and lost three times in their opening five matches, while the Stormers secured a fourth victory from five games.
David McCann scored Ulster’s only try, converted by Jack Murphy, but the Stormers led 12-7 at half-time after tries by JD Schickerling and Paul de Villiers. Evan Roos, captain Ruhan Nel and Leolin Zas Ahmed added second-half tries, with Ahmed converting four in total. Ulster were without their Ireland players ahead of November’s international fixtures and next get a chance to claim a league win away to Cardiff on 5 December.
In short
- Stormers beat Ulster 33-7 in Cape Town.
- Ulster remain winless after five league matches.
- Ulster’s next chance comes away to Cardiff on 5 December.
Explained simply
Ulster and the Stormers are professional rugby union teams competing in the United Rugby Championship, a league featuring clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa. Ulster are based in Belfast, while the Stormers represent the Western Cape and play in Cape Town.
The league season is played over several months, with teams building points through wins and draws before the knockout stages. Ulster’s start matters because they are seeking their first win, while the Stormers are aiming to stay among the stronger sides in the early standings.
Ulster’s squad can be affected when players are called up for Ireland, whose November international matches take place during the club season. Cardiff are another Welsh side in the competition, and Ulster’s next league fixture there offers a further chance to earn a win.