Stormers rally past Connacht 29-15 for bonus-point URC opener

The Stormers opened their United Rugby Championship season with a 29-15 victory over Connacht in Galway on Friday, September 25, recovering from a second-half deficit to secure a four-try bonus point. RTÉ and SABC Sport reported the result, with two late tries giving the visitors a 14-point winning margin after Connacht had led 12-10 at half-time.

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Connacht had to weather sustained early pressure before finding a route into the match. According to BBC Sport's match report, Mack Hansen prevented Ruhan Nel from scoring with a last-ditch tackle. Jurie Matthee then opened the scoring with a penalty, and Warrick Gelant collected a well-placed kick to score the opening try. Matthee's conversion gave the Stormers a 10-0 advantage.

The home side responded shortly before the interval. Hansen scored their first try and Sam Gilbert converted, before Josh Ioane finished a move following a turnover by Eoin de Buitlear, BBC Sport reported. Those two tries reversed the lead, sending Connacht into the break ahead despite the Stormers having created the stronger early opportunities.

The visitors continued to leave chances unconverted after the restart. SABC Sport reported that Seabelo Senatla was stopped short and Matthee missed a penalty from in front of the posts. Gilbert then kicked a penalty to move Connacht 15-10 ahead. That sequence left the Stormers needing a response despite the pressure they had already applied in attack.

Their forwards provided it. Sazi Sandi scored from close range and Matthee added the conversion to restore the visitors' lead at 17-15, according to SABC Sport. The contest remained tight into the closing stages, but the Stormers' increased physical pressure changed its direction. Connacht's five-point advantage had disappeared, leaving the hosts trying to regain control with time running out.

BBC Sport identified Vernon Paulo and Ezekiel Ngobeni as the scorers of the Stormers' final two tries, with Yaqeen Ahmed adding a conversion. The late scoring secured the bonus point and took Connacht outside losing-bonus-point range. SABC Sport reported that John Dobson's team collected the maximum five league points, turning an uneven opening performance into a winning start away from home.