The Stormers’ 2024/25 Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign came to a crashing halt on Friday night, as they fell 36-18 to a red-hot Glasgow Warriors side at a packed Scotstoun Stadium.
It was a bruising quarter-final clash, and while the Capetonians showed early promise, they ultimately couldn’t withstand the relentless Scottish onslaught. With five tries to two, Glasgow didn’t just win—they dominated, extending their head-to-head record to 5-1 over the Stormers and knocking them out at this stage for the second year running.
Bright Start, Rapid Setbacks
John Dobson’s men actually opened the scoring, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu slotting an early penalty. But any early momentum was quickly undone. Captain Salmaan Moerat left the field for an HIA and didn’t return, while Seabelo Senatla saw yellow for a cynical infringement at the breakdown.
Glasgow pounced. A slick lineout play saw flanker Rory Darge crash over, and moments later, winger Kyle Rowe raced in for his first after a pinpoint grubber from Sione Tuipulotu. By the 16th minute, the hosts were 14-3 up and dictating the tempo.
The Stormers showed grit, clawing back with a well-taken try by Senatla, but Glasgow’s response was swift. Henco Venter powered over in the corner, keeping the Warriors comfortably in front heading into halftime, 19-13.
Second-Half Struggles
Any hopes of a Stormers comeback were snuffed out early in the second half. Despite a moment of brilliance from Manie Libbok and Warrick Gelant to set up Senatla’s second, Glasgow never lost control. Tom Jordan sliced through the Stormers’ defence to set up Rowe’s second try, and soon after, George Horne was in for another.
From there, it was one-way traffic. The Stormers, despite dominating the scrums and enjoying plenty of possession, failed to convert pressure into points. Lineouts misfired, attacking mauls were stalled, and unforced errors mounted.
Glasgow, on the other hand, turned defence into attack with clinical precision. Their use of the choke tackle repeatedly stifled the Stormers, forcing turnovers and killing any rhythm the visitors tried to build.
A Costly Exit
Feinberg-Mngomezulu endured a night to forget with shaky decision-making, while Libbok’s impact was limited after coming on for the injured Daniel du Plessis. The Stormers had multiple chances late on to narrow the gap, but their execution let them down.
The Warriors, disciplined and dynamic, sealed the win when scrumhalf Jamie Dobie booted the ball into touch to end the match—and the Stormers’ season.
Looking Ahead
While the Stormers will rue missed opportunities and unconverted territory, Glasgow march on to face the winner of Leinster vs Scarlets in next weekend’s semi-final at the Aviva Stadium.
It’s back to the drawing board for Dobson’s side, who’ll need to regroup and address their inconsistency if they hope to reclaim their URC crown in 2026.
