Ulster Falls to Stormers in Cape Town, URC Winless After Second South African Loss

Ulster lost 33-7 to the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday, ending a difficult week of touring matches in South Africa without a victory. The defeat leaves the Belfast-based side without a single win in the current United Rugby Championship season. Manager Richie Murphy’s team had already fallen to the Bulls the previous week, extending their losing streak in the competition.

The match began with the Stormers asserting dominance in the scrum during the opening quarter. Ulster’s key players, including nine who returned to Ireland to prepare for Nations Championship duties, were expected to face heavy odds from pundits. Despite these pre-match projections, the visitors competed effectively against a high-performing home side. The game remained close through the first half, with the scoreline only shifting in the Stormers’ favor near the break.

Ulster opened the scoring at the 20-minute mark. Captain David McCann crossed for a try from a quick tap, which was converted by Jack Murphy. McCann also set up the attacking move by intercepting a loose pass and driving his team into the Stormers’ 22. Matthew Devine provided further threats from the halfback position, clearing scrums quickly to counter the home pack’s pressure. The half-time score stood at 12-7 in favor of the Stormers.

The second half saw the gap widen rapidly. Six minutes after the restart, number eight Evan Roos scored a 70-meter solo try to extend the lead to 19-7. The Stormers sealed the result in the final ten minutes with tries from captain Ruan Nel and Yassir Ahmed. Ulster maintained strong statistical control for much of the game, recording 56% possession and 55% territory, but conceded 12 turnovers that proved costly against the home side’s intensity.

Keynan Knox received a yellow card for a lineout infringement on the 33rd minute, which aided the Stormers’ momentum. Juarno Augustus and Ethan McIlroy provided moments of resistance for Ulster in the physical battle and on the counter-attack, respectively. The team now returns to Belfast to prepare for the resumption of international duties and the continuation of their URC campaign.

Ulster’s next fixture is scheduled for December 5. The team will use this period to reset their strategy and attempt to secure their first league victory of the season. The current winless run remains the central challenge for Murphy’s squad as they look to improve their standing in the competition.