DHL STORMERS vs Ospreys
bkt united rugby championship
DHL STADIUM
3RD OCTOBER 2025
Ospreys try scorers: Kieran Hardy (2)
Ospreys finished their South African tour in Cape Town against a Stormers team who are working up a head of steam after two rounds of the BKT URC.
Ospreys started strong, scoring a try within the first five minutes for the second week in a row. Kieran Hardy took both scores in a first half that saw Ospreys fierce pressure at the breakdown hand them the lead at the break. But the Stormers were resurgent in the second half and ultimately came away with the win.
Ospreys started with a real viciousness on both sides of the ball. A monstrous hit from Dewi Lake in the opening minutes resulted in an early penalty going Ospreys way deep in Stormers territory.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! The boys went to the maul from the lineout which the Stormers duly shut down, but it was too late to stop Kieran Hardy who sniped through the gap to dot down. Conversion missed. Stormers 0 - 5 Ospreys.
The Stormers answered right back. After a good spell from the home team near the Ospreys line, a cross-field kick took one of the most unpredictable bounces you'll ever see and Stormers was able to pounce on the opportunity as Evan Roos crossed. Conversion missed Stormers 5 - 5 Ospreys.
Dewi Lake picked up where he left off against the Vodacom Bulls last week, putting his body on the line at the breakdown and winning a crucial turnovers to turn the tide. The resulting lineout was pin point by Dewi, but Stormers were able to disrupt the maul and ultimately win a turnover of their own
The Postman AKA Dan Kasende was causing absolute havoc in the air once again, chasing down every high ball and constantly disrupting Stormers possession. Momentum changed hands regularly in the opening 25 minutes, but both team’s defences were standing tall in the redzone. All tied, all action.
DON’T ARGUE! With a scrum in the Ospreys 22, Moriarty picked up off the back and gave a highlight reel fend right to a defenders chest to sit him down.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! After a solid scrum, Dan Edwards passed the ball on with an outrageous barely-there touch. It landed with the Postman who beat his man down the outside with a goosey and sent Kieran Hardy over for his second try. Blockbuster score fromthe backs! Conversion missed off the post. Stormers 5 - 10 Ospreys.
Stormers were on the attack immediately from the restart, haring down the blindside from the lineout. It was safe hands from Hardy and Moriarty though, who spotted the danger and escorted the opposition into touch.
It's impossible to not continuously mention Kieran Hardy's contribution in the first half, as the scrum half put in a performance for the ages. He capped off his spoils with a huge turnover on 35 minutes, causing mayhem at the breakdown.
Another special mention has to go to the big men. Huw Sutton and Gareth Thomas led the pack in soaking up tackles and holding up numerous Stormers ball carriers. Harri Deaves and Dewi Lake were also a consistent nuisance at the breakdown, slowing play and winning numerous turnovers.
Stormers converted a penalty on the stroke of half time, bringing the score within two as we went in for the break. Stormers 8 - 10 Ospreys.
HALF TIME: Stormers 8 - 10 Ospreys
Stormers started the second half similarly to the Ospreys’ first, applying pressure to the Ospreys defence. The boys defended firmly, though the home side were eventually able to come away with three points in front of the posts to take the lead for the first time. Stormers 11 - 10 Ospreys.
The range in kicking from Jack Walsh and Dan Edwards was causing real problems for the Stormers back three, keeping them guessing and weighted perfectly every time it left the boot.
With the Stormers looking to clear their lines after recovering a loose kick, Huw Sutton came away with a big turnover to continue the pressure. Keelan escaped a few tacklers in the next phase, but the Stormers were eventually able to bring him down.
The Ospreys relentless defence had earnt a lot of respect from the Stormers, as they chose to take the three points once again despite a good opportunity to go for the corner. Stormers 14 - 10 Ospreys. With 20 minutes to go the home side were keen to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The next chance went Ospreys way, as Dan Edwards bobbled a lovely kick through the Stormers defensive line for Kasende to chase, but it crossed the line and Stormers were able to dot down for the drop out.
The Stormers attack turned up the heat with a quality sequence of play that included sidesteps, offloads and a perfectly weighted kicke that sent Wandisile Simelane through to touch down in the right corner. Undeniable skill from the home team. Matthee knocked through a tough kick to widen the gap. Stormers 21 - 10 Ospreys.
Both teams looked incredibly well drilled in defence, always contesting the break down at the opportune moment. Ospreys continued to fight hard in the last twenty, but the Stormers scrum and driving maul were causing trouble for the defensive line.
The pressure proved too much in the final five, as the maul rumbled on again to send Paul de Villiers over from close range. Conversion missed. Stormers 26 - 10 Ospreys.
Stormers were hunting for their fourth try in the final minutes, but the Ospreys defence held firm and denied the home team a bonus point on their turf.
A tough second half against a relentless Stormers team saw the Ospreys unable to maintain their initial pressure. Our time in South Africa met it's end, and we'll dust off and go again at home.
FULL TIME: Stormers 26 - 10 Ospreys
We're ready to welcome you back to the Brewery for our first home game as we face Zebre Parma at home on Saturday 11th October, KO 3pm. The best way to show your support and get your tickets and get behind the boys!