mens
United-rugby-championship
Stormers player ratings: Richie Murphy’s Ulster they arrived in Cape Town in search of their first win of the season and, for 40 minutes, they were very competitive. The visitors capitalized on a steady stream of Stormers errors and asked plenty of questions through Matthew Devine’s sniping and David McCann’s industry. But with Wilco Louw and Ntuthuko Mchunu heading into the fray and Evan Roos producing another reminder of his immense talent, the hosts eventually pulled away.
Once Ulster’s accuracy dropped after the break, the Stormers grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and never let go.
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu – 8.5
He comprehensively outpointed Keynan Knox in the tackle and carried that authority to freedom. A dominant afternoon from the loosehead, who was one of the key reasons Ulster spent so much of the game pedalling.
2. Vernon Paulo – 7
One of the Stormers’ busiest defenders and among their most frequent forwards. It’s not flashy, but it has undergone a serious change in the pack’s engine room.
3. Wilco Louw – 8
Along with Mchunu, he gave Eric O’Sullivan and Knox a warm afternoon. The Stormers scrum turned into a major weapon and Louw was central to that dominance.
4. Adré Smith – 7
Solid throughout and went through a mountain of unprecedented work. He’ll probably be just as remembered for accidentally removing his shorts twice, inadvertently driving viewers crazy.
5. JD Schickerling – 8
The big lock showed excellent support lines to charge for a deserved try after smooth handling including De Villiers and Mchunu. Devote yourself physically all the time.
6. Paul de Villiers – 8.5
Performance workhorse. Scored after bringing down Jack Murphy after a hospital pass from Michael Lowry and also played a big part in several attacking moves. Conceded a couple of penalties, but still one of the Stormers’ best.
7. Louw Nel – 6
A quieter outing than Roos and De Villiers, but still made a strong contribution. One expensive line spill kills his trail a bit.
8. Evan Roos – 9
He fought hard from the first minutes and constantly bent the winning line. His stunning 60m goal just after half-time effectively broke the Ulster resistance. Seven defenders were beaten and he was a constant threat before limping off injured. If he’s playing like this, it remains hard to understand why he isn’t more prominent in Springbok discussions.
9. Cobus Reinach – 7
It didn’t all work out, including one frustrating spill during a promising counter, but his footwork helped keep the pressure on and there was a wonderful strike from the box after the break.
10. Yaqeen Ahmed – 8.5
Started in a flash and never slowed down. His distribution kept Ulster guessing, he finished with 13 points, produced a superb kick-pass for Ruhan Nel’s score and got his reward with a late try. An elegant display of the young playmaker.
11. Leolin Zas – 7.5
He was always looking to probe the edges and his relentless pressing game caused problems for Ulster. He also won an excellent penalty for the Jackals in the second half.
12. Markus Muller – 6
A relatively quiet afternoon in the middle of the pitch, but it wasn’t bad either. More solid than spectacular.
13. Ruhan Nel – 7
Typical no-nonsense captain’s innings. He didn’t overplay his hand, carried hard and ended the game as a contest when he plucked Ahmed’s kick-pass out of the air to score. They missed a few tackles, but they led well.
14. Seabelo Senatla – 7
Excellent in his work speed and defensive pressure. He didn’t enjoy the main moments in attack, but his effort level never dropped.
15. Damian Willemse – 6
At the heart of much of the Stormers’ best attacking rugby. He made an excellent shot and several dangerous counterattacks. However, the five conceded turnovers were a significant blot on the ledger and took a toll on what could have been much more.
Substitutions – 8
The return of Bongi Mbonambi was warmly welcomed and the bench collectively contributed more than the Ulster replacement. Haashim Pead was excellent after coming on, controlling the territory smartly and combining well with Ahmed in the closing stages. Riley Norton added energy as the Stormers finished comfortably stronger than their opponents.
