Stormers defeat Connacht 29-15 in URC season opener

The Stormers secured a 29-15 victory against Connacht in their United Rugby Championship opener in Galway. Despite Connacht leading 15-10 at halftime following a try by Mack Hansen and a penalty by Sam Gilbert, the South African side responded in the second half.

Two late tries from hooker Vernon Paulo and scrumhalf Ezekiel Ngobeni sealed the win and secured a bonus point for the Stormers. The victory featured several debuts for the Cape Town-based club, including Riley Norton, Andre Warner, Ezekiel Ngobeni, and Vernon Paulo. Additionally, winger Leolin Zas marked his 100th appearance for the franchise.

Connacht coach Stuart Lancaster expressed disappointment following the loss, noting that the team failed to secure a bonus point due to high error counts and difficulty executing under pressure against the Stormers' physical scrum and maul.