South Africa's Stormers struck twice late to deny Scarlets in a wild 14-try United Rugby Championship shootout that had everything.
South Africa's Stormers once again showed why they are the flagship of African club rugby, finding a late burst of quality to deny Scarlets in a 14-try United Rugby Championship thriller.
This was a contest where defences were stretched and the scoreboard kept ticking. Both sides attacked with ambition, and the try count shows how little control either team had over the tempo for long spells. Neither side was willing to settle for a safe approach, and the match swung back and forth.
In the end, the Stormers' composure under pressure decided it. With the game still in the balance, they hit Scarlets with a late double that turned a tense shootout into a statement win. Scarlets had fought hard to stay in range, but they had no answer to that closing surge.
For South African rugby fans, it was the kind of result that reminds the northern hemisphere what the URC's southern sides bring: pace, power and a refusal to fold. The Stormers carry the continent's hopes in this competition, and performances like this keep African rugby firmly in the conversation.
