Manie Libbok slotted two essential second-half penalties to assist the DHL Stormers declare an important victory over Connacht in Galway on Saturday.
Two penalties from Libbok, who additionally arrange the DHL Stormers’ solely strive of the match, noticed John Dobson’s aspect declare a hard-fought 16-12 win, after trailing 7-3 on the break.
The win sees the Stormers shut the hole on fourth-placed Leinster to 4 factors, though the Irish aspect can seal a top-four end in opposition to Ulster afterward Saturday night time.
Extra importantly, the fifth-placed Stormers have now put a five-point hole between themselves and the chasing pack going into the ultimate spherical of the Vodacom URC, with the following 4 groups all tied on 49 factors.
It ended up being extra of a gritty win for the guests than a reasonably one, as they twice needed to come from behind in opposition to a decided Connacht aspect.
Showcasing his big-game, big-moment mentality, Libbok slotted three penalties and put Angelo Davids over for a second-half strive, including a conversion for a haul of 11 factors.
A quick-paced and frenetic recreation was crammed with loads of alternatives for each groups, nevertheless it took till Libbok slotted his first penalty within the twenty third minute to open the scoring.
Connacht hit again simply earlier than the break when scrumhalf Caolin Blade reached over and the hosts noticed off a maul simply earlier than the break to take a slender lead into half time.
A second of magic, created from a pop move from Warrick Gelant to place Libbok into area, noticed the Stormers flyhalf go on a mazy run, earlier than spreading the ball extensive for Davids to attain, after the winger had a strive chalked off within the first half.
In a do-or-die recreation for the Irish aspect, Connacht didn’t go down with no battle and hit again by tighthead prop Jack Aungier.
Nonetheless, immense defending and wonderful recreation administration from the Stormers helped the away aspect see the sport out, after Libbok held his cool to fit successive penalties going into the closing levels of the match.
The Stormers will tackle the ninth-placed Lions – who stored their URC hopes alive by beating Glasgow Warriors – within the last spherical in Cape City.
Picture: Michael P Ryan/Gallo Pictures