Stormers v Munster: Five takeaways as Damian Willemse issues ...

Following the Stormers’ 34-19 victory over Munster, here are our five takeaways from the URC clash against Cape Town Stadium.

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A replay of the second URC Grand Final and while the Stormers were on the losing side on that day in 2023, it was the hosts who claimed the spoils in a feisty affair.

John Dobson’s team have had a torrid start to the 2024/25 season, winning just one of their first three games but will have their tails up after defeating the Irish juggernaut.

The men from Cape Town have been rather off-colour this campaign with their trademark strengths of their game not on song but today, it was different; the scrum got the upper hand in a wonderful set-piece battle and their backline clicked into gear when needed.

Suleiman Hartzeberg pounced on a loose pass, punishing an early error-strewn Munster outfit in the fifth minute, but the visitors would dominate the passages that followed as Tom Farrell and Eoghan Clarke crossed the whitewash.

The hosts would have the final say of the half though as Marcel Theunissen powered over from a close-range tap and go as a cagey first half ended with the Stormers 14-12 ahead.

While it was a closely fought first half, the Stormers took control of proceedings in the second as Ruhan Nel rounded off a sterling backline line attack with perfectly timed passes.

The Capetonians’ defence was at the heart of their victory as Norman Laker’s systems shut the men in red down on several occasions and kept them in front for long periods of the game.

However, the defence finally cracked and when it comes to Gavin Coombes that close to the line; there is only one outcome, a try.

That gave Graham Rowntree’s men a sniff but sharpshooter Damian Willemse ended their hopes of a comeback with a penalty and brilliant drop goal before Nel grabbed a late intercept to put the final nail in the coffin, ending their hoodoo against Munster clinching a first victory over the men in red.

Stormers lineout continues to be their achilles heel

While Laker will be pleased with the defensive effort in the second 40 minutes, Stormers’ forwards coach Rito Hlungwani will be fuming.

As mentioned above, there was a superb contest at the scrums and the hosts did get the edge on the balance. However, the same cannot be said of the lineout as the Stormers struggled all game in securing their own ball a the set-piece.

Munster are renowned for their lineout defence but today, it did not have to be anywhere near its best as the lineout darts, the timing of the jumper and the overall effectiveness of the Stormers was diplomatically under par.

Far too often, the Stormers had to revert to the throw to the front making the throw easier for Joseph Dweba but that still proved troublesome which had a major domino effect on the attack.

The Stormers lost four of their own 13 lineout throws but even those nine they secured were far from smooth or laid the platform to strike from. While rugby continues to evolve, lineouts remain the richest source of tries whether it is through the driving maul that ensues or launching a strike play, it is pivotal and right now – and much of this season – the lineout has been the Cape-based side’s achilles heel.

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Damian Willemse shows what the Springboks have missed

What a player. The youngest double Rugby World Cup winner ever has yet to feature for the Springboks this year and against Munster, he reminded us just what Rassie Erasmus’ side have been missing.

Willemse is heralded for his versatility and last year he made the Green and Gold fullback jersey his own during the World Cup but with Manie Libbok still on a break, he stepped into the fly-half role and was ultimately the difference.

The 26-year-old was flawless from the tee and defended like a blindside flanker in the number ten channel. He wasn’t quite as effective at running the Stormers’ attack as Libbok has been but his kicking at poles and to touch was of an incredibly high standard.

Willemse is comfortable at 10, 12 and 15 and while the last of those is arguably his best position, his best trait is big match temperament and ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck and there is no better example of that than in this game. He lives for the big moments and he made the most of it.

There was little doubt whether he would be included in the Springboks’ end-of-year squad with the injury he was carrying in the latter stages being the only possible deterrent but Willemse issued a timely reminder of what he is capable of.

Munster pay the price of unforced errors

In the four previous fixtures between these two sides, Munster emerged victorious and they could have well made it five from five if it weren’t for the plethora of unforced errors.

While the Stormers’ defence really started to take control of the match in the second half, there were controllables that Munster just didn’t get right.

Jack Crowley failed to hit his kick-offs behind 10 metres on two occasions. There were several passes that also found grass with little pressure from the Stormers’ defensive line and silly decisions with the ball in hand one of which saw Tom Farrell getting tackled into touch.

There was much to like about the Irish side’s performances but Rowntree will rue the execution of basics that wasted opportunities.

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What’s next

The defeat is undoubtedly a setback for Munster and based on today’s evidence they will not have it any easier when they face the Sharks – who defeated Glasgow Warriors – next week.

Munster are two from five so far this season and will not be hitting the panic button anytime soon, particularly considering their historical record in South Africa. However, they will need to stamp out those unforced errors that will only be made worse in the slippery conditions in Durban. That clash will conclude their URC duties before a clash against the All Blacks XV in November.

As for the Stormers, Dobson’s charges remain in the Mother City and will welcome the URC holders Glasgow Warriors before taking on coastal rivals the Sharks in what promises to be a crucial fortnight.

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