By Lwandisa Madlakane
The DHL Stormers opened their 2026/27
United Rugby Championship campaign with a 29–15 bonus-point victory over
Connacht at Dexcom Stadium on Friday night.
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The visitors made a strong start and
built a 10–0 lead through Jurie Matthee’s early penalty and Warrick Gelant’s
try.
Gelant finished a clever kick from debutant Andre Warner, with Matthee
adding the conversion. Connacht gradually found their rhythm and fought back
before half-time.
Mack Hansen scored the hosts’ first try before Josh Ioane
crossed shortly afterwards. Sam Gilbert added a conversion and penalty as
Connacht went into the break with a 12–10 lead.
The Stormers responded strongly after
the interval and regained control through their forward pack.
Sazi Sandi
powered over for a try after sustained pressure, with Matthee converting to put
the visitors back in front.The Stormers continued to apply pressure as the
match entered its final stages.
Vernon Paulo then crossed for his first
Stormers try before fellow debutant Ezekiel Ngobeni finished a late attack to
secure the bonus point.
The result also marked a memorable
night for Leolin Zas, who made his 100th appearance for the Stormers.After
surrendering their early advantage, the Stormers showed composure in the second
half to finish strongly and leave Galway with five log points.
MATCH SCORES
CONNACHT: 15
- Tries: Mack Hansen, Josh Ioane
- Conversions: Sam Gilbert
- Penalties: Sam Gilbert
- Drop goals: 0
- Yellow cards: Paul Boyle
- Red cards: 0
STORMERS: 29
- Tries: Warrick Gelant, Sazi Sandi, Vernon Paulo, Ezekiel Ngobeni
- Conversions: Jurie Matthee, Yaqeen Ahmed
- Penalties: Jurie Matthee
- Drop goals: 0
- Yellow cards: 0
- Red cards: 0
STORMERS PLAYER RATINGS VS CONNACHT
15. Warrick Gelant — 8/10
A dangerous presence at the back.
Finished Warner’s kick brilliantly for the opening try and remained involved in
the Stormers’ attack.
14. Seabelo Senatla — 6.5/10
Worked hard on the wing but struggled
to make a major impact. Came close to scoring early in the second half.
13. Ruhan Nel — 8/10
A strong performance from the captain.
His early interception nearly produced a try and he brought plenty of energy to
the midfield.
12. Jonathan Roche — 7/10
A solid performance in the centre.
Defended well and helped the Stormers maintain their shape under pressure.
11. Leolin Zas — 7.5/10
A memorable 100th appearance. Used his
experience well and worked hard in the back three throughout the contest.
10. Jurie Matthee — 7.5/10
Reliable with the boot and contributed
important points. Helped manage territory despite missing one second-half
penalty.
9. Andre Warner — 8.5/10
One of the Stormers’ standout
performers. His clever kick created Gelant’s try and he showed good control on
debut.
8. Hacjivah Dayimani — 8/10
A busy performance from the No. 8.
Carried strongly and brought plenty of physicality to the Stormers’ forward
play.
7. Riley Norton — 7.5/10
Adapted well after the late positional
change. Worked hard defensively and contributed around the field.
6. Louw Nel — 7.5/10
Handled the positional switch well and
provided physicality around the breakdown.
5. JD Schickerling — 8/10
Strong in the engine room. Helped the
Stormers gain control of the forward battle as the match progressed.
4. Gary Porter — 7.5/10
A late addition to the starting side
who handled the opportunity well. Provided a solid contribution in the second
row.
3. Neethling Fouché — 7.5/10
Strong at scrum time and worked hard
around the park. Helped provide a platform for the Stormers’ forwards.
2. André-Hugo Venter — 8.5/10
A powerful performance at hooker.
Worked hard in the set-piece and around the field and played an important role
in the victory.
1. Vernon Matongo — 7.5/10
A solid shift in the front row. Held
his own at scrum time and contributed to the Stormers’ physical effort.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Vernon Paulo — 8.5/10
A dream debut. Made an immediate
impact after coming on and scored an important try late in the match.
17. Olly Reid — 7/10
Added fresh energy to the pack and
helped maintain the Stormers’ physical pressure.
18. Sazi Sandi — 8.5/10
Made a huge impact from the bench. His
powerful try helped turn the momentum back in the Stormers’ favour.
19. Connor Evans — 7.5/10
Provided fresh energy and helped the
Stormers maintain their pressure during the final stages.
20. Adré Smith — 7/10
Worked hard after coming on and helped
the Stormers close out the victory.
21. Wandisile Simelane — 6.5/10
Had limited time to influence the
match but added fresh legs late in the contest.
22. Ezekiel Ngobeni — 8.5/10
A memorable debut. Finished the match
with the Stormers’ fourth try to secure the bonus point.
23. Yaqeen Ahmed — 8/10
Made an impact after coming on and
contributed with the boot during the closing stages.
