Last-minute Ruhan Nel try gives Stormers top spot in SA, home playoff in URC

A last-minute try from Ruhan Nel gave the Stormers a 26-21 win over Scarlets in Llanelli on Saturday night that secures them the South African Shield and a home quarter-final in the United Rugby Championship (URC). 

The win puts the Stormers 2nd on the overall log, though they will drop down to 3rd if Munster beat Leinster with a bonus point in the late game on Saturday. 

The Stormers' opposition for the quarter-final will only be determined after that match, but they will also be in position to host a semi-final if Munster do not come away with five full log points from their encounter. 

They were not at their crisp best, but it was very much a case of 'job done' for coach John Dobson's men, who also secured the bonus point. 

It was a clash drenched in desperation, if not clinical skill, as both sides had a lot riding on the result. 

The Welsh outfit were also desperate for victory to win the Welsh Shield and secure Heineken Champions Cup qualification, but it was not to be despite a heroic effort. 

In the end, Scarlets finished behind Ospreys in the Welsh Shield to be left disappointed.

A side that has been dangerous from open and counter-attacking play throughout the competition, while also being dependable and impactful in set piece and keeping the ball close, the Stormers couldn't hit their straps in any of those departments often enough in an opening half that put them on the back foot. 

Scarlets were 10-0 up inside 8 minutes when a crushing Stormers defence was outsmarted by a deft, orchestrated chip over the top that allowed No 12 Johnny Williams to score, and it was an uphill battle from there. 

There was a try for left wing Leolin Zas - his 11th of the competition - on 13 minutes, but ill-discipline from the Stormers