Libbok dazzles as Stormers down plucky Connacht to reach back-to-back URC finals

The Stormers booked their spot in the URC final for the second consecutive year after beating a plucky Connacht 43-25 in Cape Town on Saturday.

AS IT HAPENNED | Stormers v Connacht

It was a slow start by the defending champions as they trailed 8-0 early in the game. But with flyhalf Manie Libbok producing another stunning performance, the Stormers eventually ran in six tries in front of a packed Cape Town Stadium (47 201 official attendance).

As was the case against the Bulls last week, Libbok was again sublime. The Bok pivot scored two tries in a personal haul of 23 points.

But Connacht deserve credit as the final scoreline somewhat flattered the home side. The Stormers only led 31-25 with five minutes remaining before two late tries by replacement forward Marcel Theunissen and centre Ruhan Nel settled matters.

Connacht, who upset Ulster away from home last week, can hold their heads high as they themselves ran in four tries in a never-say-die attitude.

Stormers caught napping early on

It was all Connacht in the opening exchanges. After earning a scrum penalty in the third minute, flyhalf Jack Carty put the Irish side 3-0 up.

Uncharacteristic errors from the Stormers saw them pegged back in their own half and there was more danger in the 10th minute when Libbok and Damian Willemse both fumbled the ball as they looked to clear close to their own try line.

After relentless pressure near the Stormers line, Connacht winger Mack Hansen went over for the game's first score in the corner in the 13th minute.

The Stormers, though, quickly found their groove and hit back when winger Angelo Davids went over near the corner after spectacularly taking a cross-kick from flyhalf Manie Libbok.

Suddenly, the momentum had shifted and the Stormers