Stormers Crush Dragons in URC Clash, Sealing Dragons' Worst Season Ever

The Dragons face their worst season yet as the Stormers dominate with a 48-12 victory in the United Rugby Championship.

The Dragons' dismal season reached a new low with a crushing 48-12 defeat to the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC). This loss marks their 16th consecutive defeat, confirming their worst performance in the competition's 24-year history.

Match Highlights

  • Stormers opened the scoring within just 73 seconds, setting the tone for the match.
  • Aaron Wainwright and Dane Blacker managed to cross the line for the Dragons in the second half, offering a glimmer of hope.
  • However, the Stormers sealed their dominance with three tries in the final eight minutes, showcasing their relentless attack.

Key Performers

  • Wandisile Simelane and Damian Willemse were standout players for the Stormers, contributing significantly to the scoreboard.
  • Aaron Wainwright was a notable performer for the Dragons, despite the team's overall struggles.

Team Lineups

Stormers

  • Starting XV: Warrick Gelant; Ben Loader, Wandisile Simelane, Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Stefan Ungerer; Vernon Matongo, Joseph Dweba, Sazi Sandi, Salmaan Moerat (capt), Ruben van Heerden, Paul de Villiers, Marcel Theunissen, Evan Roos.
  • Replacements: JJ Kotze, Ali Vermaak, Zachary Porthen, Connor Evans, Louw Nel, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Suleiman Hartzenberg.

Dragons

  • Starting XV: Huw Anderson; Harry Rees-Weldon, Harry Wilson, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser; Angus O'Brien (co-capt), Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter (co-capt), Ryan Woodman, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Dan Lydiate, Aaron Wainwright.
  • Replacements: James Benjamin, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Paula Latu, Joe Davies, Barny Langton-Cryer, Dane Blacker, Lloyd Evans, Ashton Hewitt.

Match Officials

  • Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
  • Assistant Referees: AJ Jacobs (SARU), Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)
  • TMO: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)

Related Topics

  • Dragons
  • Welsh Rugby
  • Wales Sport
  • Rugby Union

This match not only highlighted the Stormers' dominance but also underscored the Dragons' ongoing struggles, leaving fans and analysts questioning the future of the team in the URC.

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