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.

What to Read Next

Bath Triumphs Over Bristol in Thrilling Premiership Semi-Final Clash
Rugby

Bath Triumphs Over Bristol in Thrilling Premiership Semi-Final Clash

Bath Rugby secures a dramatic victory over Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership semi-final, advancing to the final with a stunning second-half performance.

Bath Rugby's Triumph: A Historic European Challenge Cup Victory
Rugby

Bath Rugby's Triumph: A Historic European Challenge Cup Victory

Bath Rugby secures a long-awaited victory in the European Challenge Cup, marking their first major trophy since 2008 with a dominant performance against Lyon.

Paul Deacon Bids Farewell to Sale Sharks: A Legacy of Rugby Excellence
Rugby

Paul Deacon Bids Farewell to Sale Sharks: A Legacy of Rugby Excellence

Paul Deacon departs Sale Sharks after five impactful years, leaving a legacy of four semi-finals and a strong foundation for future success.

Nancy McGillivray Extends Stay with Exeter Chiefs for 2025-26 Rugby Season
Rugby

Nancy McGillivray Extends Stay with Exeter Chiefs for 2025-26 Rugby Season

Nancy McGillivray renews her contract with Exeter Chiefs, balancing rugby with her physiotherapy training for the 2025-26 season.

Finn Russell Set to Shine in Premiership Final Despite Cramp Concerns - Van Graan
Rugby

Finn Russell Set to Shine in Premiership Final Despite Cramp Concerns - Van Graan

Bath's Finn Russell is expected to overcome cramp and be fit for the Premiership final, as head coach Johann van Graan expresses confidence in his star fly-half.

Scotland's Rugby Revival: Turner Returns for Pacific Tour Amid Key Absences
Rugby

Scotland's Rugby Revival: Turner Returns for Pacific Tour Amid Key Absences

George Turner rejoins Scotland's squad for the summer Pacific Tour, highlighting key team changes and strategic selections by coach Gregor Townsend.

Gloucester Rugby Bolsters Squad with Leinster Star Rob Russell for 2025-26 Season
Rugby

Gloucester Rugby Bolsters Squad with Leinster Star Rob Russell for 2025-26 Season

Gloucester Rugby secures versatile Leinster back Rob Russell for the 2025-26 season, enhancing their back-three with his impressive try-scoring record.

Jacob Umaga Joins Samoa: A New Chapter in International Rugby
Rugby

Jacob Umaga Joins Samoa: A New Chapter in International Rugby

Former England fly-half Jacob Umaga has been called up by Samoa, marking a significant shift in his international rugby career.

Rugby Injury Update: Mack Hansen Sidelined for Five Weeks, Lions Selection in Jeopardy
Rugby

Rugby Injury Update: Mack Hansen Sidelined for Five Weeks, Lions Selection in Jeopardy

Mack Hansen, a key player for Connacht and Ireland, is out for five weeks due to an ankle injury, potentially affecting his selection for the British and Irish Lions.

Bath vs Gloucester: A High-Stakes European Challenge Cup Quarter-Final Clash
Rugby

Bath vs Gloucester: A High-Stakes European Challenge Cup Quarter-Final Clash

Bath and Gloucester face off in a high-pressure European Challenge Cup quarter-final, with both teams vying for a spot in the semi-finals.

Leigh Halfpenny's Potential Move to Beziers: A New Chapter in French Rugby
Rugby

Leigh Halfpenny's Potential Move to Beziers: A New Chapter in French Rugby

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions star Leigh Halfpenny is considering a move to French second-tier club Beziers, potentially extending his illustrious rugby career.

Wales Rugby's Historic Low: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Six Nations Struggles
Rugby

Wales Rugby's Historic Low: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Six Nations Struggles

Explore Wales Rugby's challenging 2025 Six Nations campaign, analyzing the men's and women's teams' historic losses and future prospects.

Bath Dominates Newcastle to Secure Premiership Top Spot and Home Semi-Final
Rugby

Bath Dominates Newcastle to Secure Premiership Top Spot and Home Semi-Final

Bath Rugby secures top spot in the Gallagher Premiership with a commanding 55-19 victory over Newcastle Falcons, ensuring a home semi-final.

Historic Wins and Playoff Drama in the United Rugby Championship
Rugby

Historic Wins and Playoff Drama in the United Rugby Championship

Explore the latest in the United Rugby Championship, including historic wins, playoff hopes, and key performances shaping the season.

Northampton Saints Stun Leinster in Epic Champions Cup Semi-Final Clash
Rugby

Northampton Saints Stun Leinster in Epic Champions Cup Semi-Final Clash

Northampton Saints secured a thrilling 37-34 victory over Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final, with Tommy Freeman's hat-trick leading the charge.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.