Stormers beat Ulster as Yaqeen Ahmed shines at Cape Town Stadium

The Stormers are heading into their United Rugby Championship break with plenty of momentum after making it four bonus-point victories on the bounce at Cape Town Stadium, Cape {town} Etc reports.

John Dobson’s side continued their impressive run with a convincing 33-7 win over Ulster on Saturday, recovering from an unconvincing opening period before pulling away after half-time.

One of the standout performers was young flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, who contributed 13 points and capped an impressive afternoon with a try of his own.

The hosts had to work for it, though. Ulster started with intent and took the lead through captain David McCann, who powered over following a sustained spell of pressure. Jack Murphy added the extras to put the visitors 7-0 ahead.

But a yellow card for tighthead prop Keynan Knox gave the Stormers an opening. JD Schickerling finished off a forward-driven move before Paul de Villiers capitalised on a charged-down clearance to put the Cape side in front.

Ahmed missed the conversion, but the Stormers still went into the break with a 12-7 advantage.

The second half belonged to the home team. Evan Roos produced a brilliant individual effort, bursting through after collecting a short pass to extend the lead.

Captain Ruhan Nel then finished in the corner after Ahmed delivered a well-judged cross-kick, before the flyhalf got on the scoresheet himself to put the result beyond doubt.

The victory continues a strong stretch for the Stormers, who had already beaten the Sharks 39-22, Bristol Bears 49-12 and Scarlets 52-40 in their recent URC and Investec Champions Cup fixtures.

There was some team news to digest before kick-off, too. Bongi Mbonambi had been expected to make his return from the bench after rejoining the Stormers, but was ruled out before the match. Debutant Altus Rabe took his place.

An injury to Jonathan Roche also meant Markus Muller moved into the No 12 jersey. Muller was named in the Springboks’ 37-man squad for the November Nations Championship fixtures earlier in the week.

Ulster, meanwhile, remain without a URC win this season. Their task in Cape Town was made tougher by the absence of eight Ireland internationals.

The Stormers will now have a month to recover before returning to action against the Sharks at Kings Park on 5 December. Ulster’s next assignment is away to Cardiff.

Dobson will, however, be keeping a close eye on the fitness of Roos and Leolin Zas after both players limped off during the match.

For now, the Stormers can enjoy a well-earned break. Four straight bonus-point wins have put them in a strong position, and Saturday’s performance showed they can still find another gear when the pressure is on.

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**Picture: **Cole Cruickshank / Gallo Images

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