Stormers and Ulster Battle to a Thrilling 38-All Draw in 11-Try Showdown in Belfast

The passionate home crowd experienced one of the most exhilarating encounters of the United Rugby Championship season, with both teams engaging in a mesmerizing battle that highlighted the essence of rugby. Ultimately, the match provided remarkable entertainment value for spectators, ensuring a memorable evening.

Although the Stormers had a 20-minute numerical advantage and scored five tries, they struggled to break their Belfast jinx, coming heartbreakingly close in a thrilling match where former Stormers standout Werner Kok made a significant mark with a hat-trick.

The Stormers had a challenging beginning, conceding their first try within the opening five minutes.

After mishandling a kick that landed in their 22 and clearing the ball into touch, Ulster capitalized on an offside situation, intensifying the pressure on the Stormers’ try line. Following several phases of forward play, Jack Murphy shifted the ball to Kok on the wing, allowing him to dash in for the first try.

Nathan Doak converted successfully from a challenging position.

The visitors quickly responded, taking advantage of their initial opportunity. Gaining momentum through well-executed phases, Ntuthuko Mchunu charged toward the line, and tournament top try-scorer Evan Roos received the ball and scored his 12th try of the season.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added the conversion, leveling the match.

Shortly after, Ulster captain Iain Henderson received a yellow card for a dangerous crocodile roll on Deon Fourie, forcing the Stormers skipper off the field and bringing Paul de Villiers into play.

This yellow card later escalated to a 20-minute red card, allowing the Stormers to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Quick ball movement and effective recycling enabled Mchunu to exploit a gap in Ulster’s defense, resulting in Feinberg-Mngomezulu scoring the visitors’ second try.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted, giving the Stormers a 14-7 lead.

In the 21st minute, De Villiers won a penalty for the Stormers at the breakdown, which Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted to extend the lead to 17-7.

However, the tide quickly turned as Ulster managed two tries in just six minutes.

Kok added his second try after receiving a long pass from Doak, who converted effectively in the 29th minute.

Ulster then scored a remarkable try following a solid defensive effort on their own line. After a turnover, they surged into the Stormers’ 22, and a driving maul allowed Zac Ward to power through for a try close to the posts.

Doak maintained his flawless kicking record as the home side held off one last Stormers attack to lead 21-17 at halftime.

HALF-TIME: ULSTER 21-17 STORMERS

As the second half commenced, the Stormers had a try disallowed due to Ben-Jason Dixon’s aerial challenge during the buildup, allowing Ulster to push back into the visitors’ territory, where excellent handling resulted in Michael Lowry diving over in the corner for an outstanding try.

Though Doak missed the conversion, Ulster extended their lead to 26-17.

The match’s frenetic pace continued as the Stormers pressured inside the Ulster 22, dominating with a maul and multiple attacking phases before Imad Khan executed a brilliant dummy to score.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted, bringing the score to 26-24.

While the Stormers maintained substantial control in the second half, they struggled to convert their dominance into points due to issues with discipline, handling errors, and execution.

Finally, in the 64th minute, persistence paid off as the Stormers broke through the Ulster defense. After several phases near the line, Feinberg-Mngomezulu powered over for his second try.

He converted his score, showcasing an impressive individual performance as the Stormers took a 31-26 lead.

However, the visitors failed to extend their lead. Ulster found space on the wings again, allowing Kok to complete his hat-trick with just 10 minutes on the clock, leveling the score at 31-31.

In dramatic fashion, the final moments were filled with twists. Eric O’Sullivan appeared to clinch victory for Ulster with a try three minutes from time, but the Stormers were awarded a penalty try after Nathan Doak’s desperate tackle on Leolin Zas was deemed high.