Stormers beat Cardiff 44-21 to reach URC semifinals

The Stormers advanced to the United Rugby Championship semifinals with a 44-21 victory over Cardiff in a quarterfinal match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. The home side scored six tries to overpower the Welsh visitors, who were eliminated from the competition.

Cardiff opened the scoring against the run of play in the 19th minute. After defending on their own line, Stormers scrum-half Imad Khan’s pass was intercepted by wing Jacob Beetham, who raced away before sending fullback Cam Winnett over for a converted try. The Stormers responded quickly, leveling the scores five minutes later when hooker André-Hugo Venter dotted down from a powerful lineout maul.

The hosts took control as their set-piece dominance became decisive. A clever lineout move saw prop Ntuthuko Mchunu power over in the 29th minute, and the Stormers extended their lead after Cardiff tighthead Keiron Assiratti was shown a yellow card for repeated scrum infringements. Just before halftime, fullback Damian Willemse set up wing Leolin Zas, who broke through a tackle to score, giving the Stormers a 21-7 lead at the break.

Cardiff refused to capitulate, scoring early in the second half when number eight Taine Basham...