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Stormers to host URC Grand Final after Munster upset Leinster
Stormers skipper Steven Kitshoff admitted he wouldn’t mind having a third home farewell, with him departing for Ulster at the end of the season.
Stormers players celebrate in front of their fans after reaching the Grand Final after beating Connacht in their semi-final on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
For a second weekend in a row the Stormers have profited from a massive upset and will host the United Rugby Championship (URC) Grand Final at the Cape Town Stadium, after Munster clinched a thrilling 16-15 win over Leinster in their semi-final match-up in Dublin.
Last weekend it was Connacht upsetting Ulster in Belfast that secured the Stormers a home semi, with them going on to beat their Irish visitors 43-25 earlier on Saturday.
ALSO READ: URC result – Stormers into final with semi win over Connacht
Leinster were then punished for again sending out a weakened team for their semi-final clash, as Munster hung in the match, trailing 10-6 at halftime and 15-13 going into the final five minutes, which allowed inside centre Jack Crowley to nail a pressure drop goal with minutes remaining to seal a famous win.
After the Stormers win over Connacht coach John Dobson had admitted that his side did not mind where they would be playing in the final.
“We would love to play here (in Cape Town) for the people. But we really don’t mind. The experience of going to the Aviva and having the extra weeks rest when they play in Europe would be a great occasion for us and South African rugby,” explained Dobson.
“So we are reasonably relaxed about the next game (Leinster v Munster semi-final).”
Third home farewell
Stormers skipper Steven Kitshoff, who is departing the union for Ulster at the end of the season, echoed his coaches sentiments but admitted he wouldn’t mind having a third home farewell after it was expected that the quarterfinal against the Bulls would be his last appearance in Cape Town.
“Hopefully Munster does us a huge favour and we can host another final. But if it’s at the Cape Town Stadium or the Aviva (Stadium) I think the boys will be able to put up a massive show,” said Kitshoff.
“Some days it felt like we weren’t going to make it (to the final), we had a couple of ups and downs. But I am happy and proud of the boys.
“How we have built momentum throughout the season. Getting that top South African spot and then fighting our way back to the final. I am extremely proud of the Stormers and the boys that played tonight.”
As the URC defending champions it is an amazing feat that the Stormers will once again host the Grand Final in Cape Town, in their second season in the competition, on Saturday 27 May at 6:30pm.
