Wild scenes as petrified Stormers celebrate avoiding Leinster in URC final
You would think that Munster would be the happiest team to actually see themselves reach the United Rugby Championship final, but no, one team was even happier.
Munster shocked red hot URC favourites Leinster on Saturday 16-15 at the Aviva Stadium courtesy of a late Jack Crowley with two minutes remaining. That sent the Munster players and fans wild, as they booked their place in the final. However, they were not as happy as their upcoming opponents the Stormers.
Having beaten Connacht 43-25 earlier in the day at Cape Town Stadium, the squad remained at the stadium to watch the all Ireland semi-final, presumably expecting to see a Leinster victory after they topped the league table. However, the sight of seeing Leinster lose sent the Stormers squad into pandemonium.
While it may at first appear that they are celebrating because they do not have to play arguably the strongest club side in the world at the moment, the real reason is slightly more practical. Having finished above Munster in the table, the result in Ireland means that the final will be played in Cape Town rather than Dublin had Leinster won. That is an enormous boost for the reigning champions, not least as it means that the side can remain at home for the coming fortnight as they prepare.
The Stormers players will not need to be reminded though that less than a month ago Munster pulled off an impressive 26-24 win over them in Cape Town.
Take a look at the scenes:
We go again!!!! pic.twitter.com/Duf7Fhhv3X
— Duncan Cruickshank (@duncanbsc) May 13, 2023
This was the moment Crowley won the match:
Fantastic composure from Jack Crowley to slot the match-winner 🙌pic.twitter.com/mOrz14DAqb#LEIvMUN #URC #SUAF 🔴
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) May 13, 2023
BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final 2023
DHL Stormers v Munster
DHL Stadium, Cape Town
KO: 18:30 SA / 17:30 (UK &Ire)
Live on: SuperSport, TG4, ViaPlay, Premier Sports, URC.tv, Discovery +, FloRugby.com.
