URC: Damian Willemse shines as Stormers end Munster hoodoo in Cape Town

URC: Damian Willemse shines as Stormers end Munster hoodoo in Cape Town

Springbok utility back Damian Willemse made his mark at flyhalf for the Stormers as they sealed a 34-19 bonus-point victory over Munster in Cape Town on Saturday.

Willemse, who impressed with his game management and playmaking skills, took the fight to Munster throughout and helped the home side to their first-ever victory over the Irish province at their fifth attempt in the United Rugby Championship.

In the end, the Stormers outscored Munster by four tries to three with Ruhan Nel leading the way with a brace while Suleiman Hartzenberg and Marcel Theunissen also dotted down while Willemse contributed 14 points courtesy of four conversions a penalty and a drop goal.

Munster's points came via tries from Tom Farrell, Eoghan Clarke and Gavin Coombes while Jack Crowley succeeded with a couple of conversions.

Hartzenberg went over for a fifth-minute try for the home side, with Willemse adding the extras.

But the Irish province fought back and Farrell crossed after Tadhg Beirne popped the ball out to him following a strong forward drive.

Munster went ahead after 26 minutes when Clarke touched down from a fine rolling maul.

Theunissen and Nel scored tries as the Stormers moved into a 21-12 lead with 46 minutes on the clock.

Coombes then crashed over after superb work again from the Munster back to reduce the South Africans' lead to 21-19 with 12 minutes remaining.

But Willemse's penalty and drop goal extended the Stormers' lead before Nel's second try secured the bonus point.

Willemse converted to secure the home side's triumph which moves them off the foot of the URC table.

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