Leinster secure top seed after nailbiting Stormers draw

After 19 games, Leinster's winning streak has come to an end, but the unbeaten run goes to 20.

The crucial word there is 'unbeaten'. An exhilarating 22-22 draw with the Stormers came with the prize of a guaranteed top seed in the URC playoffs, secured with two games to spare.

Having been 17-0 behind against the champions, Leo Cullen would no doubt have taken this result after 35 minutes, but after barging their way into a 22-17 lead by the hour mark, this does feel like an opportunity missed to make a statement against their title rivals, particularly with Harry Byrne missing four kicks from five, including a potential match-winning penalty with three minutes to play.

The league leaders found themselves 17-0 down to the defending champions approaching half time, with tries from Suleiman Hartzenberg and Manie Libbok, as well as two conversions and a penalty from the latter had the visitors seemingly in control after 35 minutes.

Michael Milne's score just before the break got them back into the game, and by the 60th minute they were 22-17 ahead, Scott Penny, Rob Russell and Max Deegan all crossing, the last of which was converted by Byrne.

But the Stormers played some outstanding rugby in difficult conditions, and were fully deserving of a draw at the very least, making a comeback of their own when Clayton Blommetjies beat Dave Kearney to a bouncing ball to level the scores and salvage a draw, which keeps them on track for a second place finish, and a home draw in the playoffs.

Playing with a stiff wind behind their backs, the Stormers started brightest, stealing a lineout in the opening minutes, before enjoying a sustained period of possession.

Leinster conceded back to back penalties in their own 22, the first when Harry Byrne