Cardiff seal URC play-off place after sensational victory over the Stormers

Cardiff reached the United Rugby Championship play-offs for the first time ever after a sensational 22-16 bonus-point victory over the Stormers at the Arms Park.

Corniel van Zyl’s side will be Wales’ only representative in next season’s Investec Champions Cup after outplaying the in-form Stormers.

After a difficult start to the game Cardiff bounced back strongly with No 8 Taine Basham and outside-half Ioan Lloyd outstanding. Lloyd also contributed two further points from the kicking tee.

Andre Smith scored the Stormers’ only try with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicking five points.

Tries from Jacob Beetham (twice), Tom Bowen and Lloyd got the home side over the line.

Cardiff were superb throughout, with Lloyd putting Beetham over for the opening try via a lovely cross-kick.

Lloyd’s pass released Bowen down the wing a few minutes later with the Wales U20s wing showcasing his pace to score out wide.

With the first-half drawing to a close Lloyd finished tremendously well out wide to give the hosts a 17-10 lead at the interval.

Cardiff carried on where they left off after the break as Lloyd put Beetham over for his second try out wide.

The Stormers threw everything at Cardiff during the closing stages of the game but the Welsh club’s defence remained intact as they claimed a famous victory.

Cardiff: Cam Winnett; Jacob Beetham, Ben Thomas, Rory Jennings, Tom Bowen; Ioan Lloyd, Johan Mulder; Danny Southworth, Liam Belcher (capt), Javan Sebastian, George Nott, Rory Thornton, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham.

Replacements: Dafydd Hughes, Rhys Barratt, Keiron Assiratti, Alun Lawrence, Evan Lloyd, Ellis Bevan, Steff Emanuel, Leigh Halfpenny.

Stormers: Damian Willemse; Sileiman Hartzenberg, Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Imad Khan; Ntuthuko Mchunu, Andre-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouche (capt), Adre Smith, Ruben van Heerden, Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos.

Replacements: JJ Kotze, Oli Kebble, Zac Porthen, Salmaan Moerat, Marcel Theunissen, Keke Morabe, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee.

Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

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