The DHL Stormers remain alive in the United Rugby Championship (URC) title race, though their 38-38 draw against Ulster Rugby in Belfast felt like a match that slipped through their fingers like a wet rugby ball on a winter night.
Three points kept the Cape side firmly in the playoff hunt ahead of Friday’s final league clash against Cardiff Rugby, yet the performance exposed cracks that could splinter their championship ambitions if left unattended.
This Stormers squad is packed with talent. On paper, it has the muscle, pace and creativity to bulldoze through the URC knockout stages like a dominant rolling maul. The concern lies in whether director of rugby John Dobson is consistently selecting the combinations best suited to the team’s high-tempo identity.
Few players embody that debate more than Warrick Gelant.
At his best, Gelant plays rugby like a street magician weaving through defenders with sleight of hand and razor-sharp instinct. His counter-attacking brilliance has often ignited the Stormers backline like a spark racing through dry grass. Yet confidence appears to have deserted him. Against Ulster, he looked hesitant under pressure and lacked the explosive acceleration that once made him one of the most feared fullbacks in South African rugby.
There comes a stage in every campaign where sentiment must make way for form. Gelant could benefit from time in the Stormers XXIII to rebuild rhythm and confidence away from the pressure cooker of knockout rugby. Damian Willemse should be playing in the last line of defence.
That opens the door for fit again Suleiman Hartzenberg, who is proven performer. Whether on the wing or in midfield, Hartzenberg has attacked defensive lines with the hunger of a young predator sensing opportunity. His pace and physicality and ability under the high ball fit the Stormers game model perfectly.
Defensively, the Stormers were alarmingly fragile in Belfast.With Wandisile Simelane on the wing and Dan du Plessis at outside centre they struggled to close space, allowing former Stormers favourite Werner Kok to slice through for a memorable hat-trick.
The scrutiny should also extend to number eight Evan Roos. Few South African loose forwards carry with the same venom and aggression. When Roos is charging downhill, he resembles a runaway freight train smashing through first contact. Yet discipline and decision-making continue to undermine his influence. Errors at crucial moments have become an unwelcome pattern.
Across from him stood Juarno Augustus, who delivered another thunderous performance for Ulster. Trokkie carried with authority, linked play intelligently and repeatedly generated momentum. His display echoed the balanced power and soft-touch skillset once mastered by Springbok legend Duane Vermeulen. It would surprise nobody if Rassie Erasmus soon revisits Augustus as a Springbok option.
It's gonna be wild out there tonight 🐆#ULSvSTO #inittogether @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/sIHEOcVxOy
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) May 8, 2026
The injury to veteran captain Deon Fourie may prove even more damaging than the dropped log position. Fourie’s possible season-ending knee injury strips the Stormers of their emotional compass and breakdown warrior.
Dobson’s frustration was understandable after Ulster captain Iain Henderson was red-carded for the croc roll incident.
“I feel very sorry for Deon Fourie,” Dobson said.
“That has to be removed from the game, and the player must be removed for the entire match.”
Selection management also came under the spotlight when lively scrumhalf Imad Khan was replaced by Stefan Ungerer. Khan injected speed and unpredictability around the rucks. The tempo noticeably slowed after his departure. Coaches earn praise for successful substitutions and must also carry responsibility when replacements blunt momentum.
Meanwhile, dynamic forward Hacjivah Dayimani still feels underutilised. His ability to create chaos in broken play remains one of the Stormers’ greatest attacking weapons. During the franchise’s 2021-22 title-winning season, Dayimani often turned ordinary phases into moments of magic.
One round still to play and we have secured a home @Vodacom #URC quarter-final! Can't wait to see you all at DHL Stadium. Tickets will go on sale once we know who and when we are playing. #inittogether pic.twitter.com/TzdLZU75Tp
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) May 9, 2026
The Stormers are still capable of lifting the URC trophy again. The ingredients remain there. Their challenge now is ensuring the right players are trusted at the right time. In playoff rugby, brave selection calls can become the difference between confetti and regret.
