The Stormers host Ulster in Round 5 of the United Rugby Championship at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday. The Stormers have won three of their opening four URC matches and will be looking to consolidate their position in the top four against an Ulster side still searching for their first victory of the season.
Stormers v Ulster, Saturday 31st October, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, kick-off 14:45 SAST
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
Assistant Referees: Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa), Sean Muller (South Africa)
TMO: Ru Campbell (Scotland)
Weather Forecast – Cape Town
Stormers
The Stormers began their URC campaign with a 29-15 victory away to Connacht before suffering a narrow 17-13 defeat against Edinburgh.
They returned to Cape Town in Round 3 and produced a strong second-half performance to beat the Sharks 39-22.
Last weekend they defeated the Scarlets 52-40 in a high-scoring encounter, having led 33-14 at halftime before allowing the visitors back into the match. The Scarlets drew level at 40-40 before two late tries from Yaqeen Ahmed secured the victory.
The Stormers are fourth on the URC table with 16 points from four matches, having scored 133 points and conceded 94.
They also opened their Champions Cup campaign with an impressive 49-12 victory over Bristol Bears.
Ulster
Ulster have made a disappointing start to their URC campaign and are still looking for their first victory after four matches.
They sit 13th on the table with nine points, having drawn twice and lost twice.
In Round 3 they played out a 26-26 draw at home to Munster before travelling to Pretoria last weekend, where they suffered a 34-26 defeat against the Bulls.
Despite their winless record, Ulster have been competitive. They have scored 114 points and conceded 127, giving them a points difference of just minus 13.
Saturday's match concludes their two-match South African tour before the November international break.
Recent URC head-to-head results
8 May 2026: Ulster 38–38 Stormers (Belfast)
28 March 2025: ULSTER 38–34 Stormers (Belfast)
30 March 2024: STORMERS 13–7 Ulster (Cape Town)
27 January 2023: ULSTER 35–5 Stormers (Belfast)
11 June 2022: STORMERS 17–15 Ulster (Cape Town – URC Semi-Final)
26 March 2022: STORMERS 23–20 Ulster (Cape Town)
The Stormers have won three of the six previous URC meetings, with Ulster winning two and one match ending in a draw.
All three Stormers victories have come in Cape Town, although their winning margins have been just six, two and three points respectively. Ulster have covered a 12.5-point handicap in all six meetings.
Team news
The Stormers have a significant problem at hooker following injuries to André-Hugo Venter, Lukhanyo Vokozela and Deon Fourie against the Scarlets. JJ Kotze is also suspended, leaving the coaching staff short of experienced options.
Retired hooker Scarra Ntubeni has been called back into training as emergency cover, while Vernon Paulo and youngster Altus Rabe are available.
Ruhan Nel and Ruan Ackermann could return from injury, subject to fitness assessments.
International commitments and player-rest protocols may also influence the Stormers' selection.
Ulster are expected to be without several Ireland internationals ahead of the November international programme.
Teams.
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Riley Norton, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Wandisile Simelane
Ulster: 15 Ethan McIlroy, 14 Michael Lowry, 13 James Hume, 12 Ben Carson, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Matthew Devine, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 David McCann (captain), 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 Eli Snyman, 4 Ben Donnell, 3 Keynan Knox, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Eric O’Sullivan.
Replacements: 16 Henry Walker, 17 Tom McAllister, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Harry Sheridan, 20 Martin Moloney, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Chay Mullins.
The Betting
As at 29 October at WSB
Stormers -16.5 points at 1.87
Ulster +16.5 points at 1.95
Bet: To Follow
Odds quoted were available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
All our URC bets and motivations will be posted in the Round 5 betting blog.
See what other punters fancy and have your say in the Goodforthegame Rugby Forum thread.
Disclaimer: Odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. No bet is guaranteed to win. Please only bet what you can afford to lose.
