Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored twice and produced a flawless kicking display to help his team to a 38-all draw against Ulster on Friday evening in Belfast.
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The Stormers were their own worst enemy in Belfast on Friday evening, only managing a 38-all draw against Ulster in a highly entertaining, drama-filled United Rugby Championship (URC) contest.
Despite playing with 14 men for 20 minutes after a red card to captain Iain Henderson, the fight shown by the Irish club was impressive, and their two South African stars, Werner Kok and Juarno Augustus, played a critical role in the contest.
Kok scored a hat-trick of tries, while the big carries of Augustus got his side out of trouble a couple of times when they were under pressure, especially during the red-card period. Scrumhalf Nathan Doak also played a crucial role for his side, but a high shot from him resulted in a penalty try that tied the game at the death.
Although they started slowly afer losing captain Deon Fourie to an injury after a croc roll cleanout by Henderson, the Stormers fought back on a couple of occasions. That penalty try ensured they did not leave the Affidea Stadium with just two points. They claimed three vital points that will see them stay ahead of the chasing Lions and Leinster. However, their discipline cost them, while handling errors and poor decision-making also played a part in the draw.
Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored twice and helped secure the bonus point, but their failure to claim four points means the Cape side will not be at the top of the URC log heading into the final round. The Glasgow Warriors, in the other Friday fixture, recorded a convincing 40-17 win over Cardiff to retake first place.
The Stormers should have capitalised more after going 17-7 ahead following the red card. But Ulster simply refused to go away. The fact they scored two tries shortly before halftime to swing the game will concern the Stormers, while the double strike inside four minutes in the 70th minute nearly sealed the match for the home side.
But the visitors showed tremendous fight, despite being a player down, to score with 14 men and clinch the draw.
It was the kind of resilience that can win championships. However, the Stormers must take their opportunities in the next game to ensure they remain among the top two sides heading into the play-offs.
They still have everything to play for next weekend against Cardiff in Wales, and some tough selection calls await the coaching staff.
Points scorers
Stormers 38 (17): Tries: Evan Roos, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2), Imad Khan, Penalty try. Conversions: Feinberg-Mngomezulu (4). Penalty: Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Ulster 38 (21): Tries: Werner Kok (3), Zac Ward, Mike Lowry, Eric O'Sullivan. Conversions: Nathan Doak (4).