Ospreys come away with another historic win in South Africa as we beat the Stormers for the first time ever with a try bonus point. It’s only the Stormers third home defeat in the URC and sees us go unbeaten against all South African opposition, home and away, this season.
Five vital points in the bag and the road to the knockouts is ON.
The Ospreys began the game well, with strong carries from the pack who stood firm in defense when out of possession.
It looked like the Stormers might put the first points on the board after a pinpoint Crossfield from Manie Libbok found its target, but a try saving interception from Keelan allowed the Ospreys to take the ball into Stormers territory, eventually winning a penalty.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! The boys made the territory count, winning their own lineout before a superb grubber by Dan Edwards found Luke Morgan to dive and finish. Conversion missed. Stormers 5 – 0 Ospreys.
The Stormers were in next. The home team ran a move off the lineout that was read well by the Ospreys defense, but the Stormers support runners allowed them to make several offloads before Du Plessis eventually went over for the score. Libbok converted, Stormers 7 – 5 Ospreys.
Ospreys went close soon after the Stormers score, as a well worked move found Keelan some space. The winder was looking sharp throughout the opening stages, but he was brought down just before the line.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! A powerful carry off the scrum from Morgan Morris set the Ospreys up on the Stormers line and Sam Parry barreled his way over for the score. Conversion missed, Stormers 7 - 10 Ospreys.
The Stormers continually tried to break down the Ospreys defense after the score, but the boys were able to hold strong, The quick line and relentless tackle speed stopped anything the Stormers could suggest in attack.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! Libbok went for his trademark crossfield kick but it was read by Jack Walsh, who intercepted, broke through and was able to pass it out to Luke Morgan. Morgan stepped inside and finished for his second try of the game! Walsh converted to send the Ospreys into the break with Stormers 7 - 17 Ospreys.
A HUGE first half from the boys.
HALF TIME – Stormers 7 - 17 Ospreys.
The Stormers struck first in the second half. Some smart play from Manie Libbok and several offloads allowed Evan Roos to go over for the score. Libbok converted to cut the Ospreys lead down to three, Stormers 14 - 17 Ospreys.
The Stormers score triggered a response from the Ospreys and a quality interception from Rueben Morgan-Williams set Ospreys up in Stormers territory. A penalty gave them a maul on the Stormers’ 5 metre line, but the home team were able to hold strong.
The second half continued in the Ospreys favour as we controlled a majority of the possession and territory.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! The Ospreys’ scrum was doing some real damage and won a succession on penalties. The pack tested the Stormers resolve on their line, but the home team could only delay the inveitable as as Nicky offloaded to an imperious Harri Deaves who finished under the sticks. Jack Walsh converted. Stormers 14 - 24 Ospreys.
Once again though, the home side were livened by the Ospreys score. They hammered away at the Ospreys line in the closing ten minutes, but a huge defensive effort from the Ospreys was typified by a fantastic turnover from Huw Sutton.
A Stormers penalty with give to go saw them for the corner as they chased points, but once again the Ospreys came away with the ball following a frantic passage of play.
In the last minutes of the game Ospreys won a vital penalty in the Stormers half and Jack Walsh calmly booted it over. Stormers 14 - 27 Ospreys.
There was drama in the final minutes as Ospreys were given a yellow and Stormers awarded a penalty try to get the losing bonus point. Stormers 21 - 27 Ospreys.
But, the win was secured and the final whistle went on a historic Ospreys victory! An incredible performance from Toby Booth and his men who have continued to outperform expectations this season.
We’re now firmly in the running for the URC playoffs with four games remaining. Make sure you’re there to cheer us on in our final home game of the season as we take on Dragons Rugby in a huge Welsh Derby.
