Cork and Limerick were not the only places celebrating Munster’s 16-15 win over Leinster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-finals on Saturday.
Jack Crowley slotted the match-winning drop goal for Graham Rowntree’s charges, shortly after the Stormers dispatched Connacht 43-25 in Cape Town.
While Leinster and Munster went hammer and tongs at one another in Dublin, the Stormers celebrated their win over Connacht and still hadn’t left the stadium.
A win for Munster meant that the Stormers would host the URC final for a second year in a row, and the players and their families eagerly watched on and counted down with the clock before erupting into celebrations when Craig Casey booted the ball out.
Stormers squad reaction after the 2nd URC semi final
by u/Vandrg in rugbyunion
The likes of Deon Fourie, Neethling Fouchie, John Dobson, Joseph Dweba and Hacjivah Dayimani can all be seen celebrating Munster’s win, with former Springboks and Stormers flanker Schalk Burger also spotted at the end of the clip.
Stormers v Munster final
The Stormers have an incredible record at home, having lost just once at home since December 2021.
However, that loss was to Munster just under a month ago when the Irish province claimed a 26-24 victory over Dobson’s side. That defeat meant the Stormers finished the regular season in third place but have luckily played all their play-off games at home thanks to Ulster and Munster claiming away wins.
The defending champions also have the luxury of not having to travel, something that has proved problematic for the Stormers and other South African teams this season.
They have had long-haul flights, often taking over 20 hours to reach the likes of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, usually flying economy class.
While the Stormers will be happy to host the final once again, they will be wary of the threat Munster poses after the victory over the far more fancied Leinster.
The Capetonians also don’t have a good record against the Irish province, losing their first URC fixture against them 34-18 back in October 2021.
READ MORE: WATCH: ‘Shades of ROG’ as Jack Crowley’s clutch drop goal sinks Leinster
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