Stormers coach sees dark cloud in Munster defeat, but silver lining in rest time for URC playoffs

Stormers coach John Dobson admitted they needed to win Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against Munster.

Having trailed 12-0 at some point, the Stormers pulled the game back to 12-12 at half-time but ended up losing 26-24.

That loss, coupled with Ulster's 40-19 home win against the Dragons on Friday, meant the Belfast-based side moved to second place with 64 points to the Stormers' 63.

In his post-match press conference, Dobson wasn't keen on talking about permutations, preferring to worry about Friday's game against Benetton where they'll be wrapping up their regular season fixtures.

Ulster are favourites to beat Edinburgh handily which would secure second spot ahead of the Stormers.

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The Stormers are at least guaranteed a home quarter-final.

"We had to win this game and that was the bottom line. That's why we're so disappointed," Dobson said.

"We were proud of the record and maybe we have that bogey off our backs now, but in terms of getting that draw for the home semi, to rely on Edinburgh now, I don't think those two points will make a difference.

"If Ulster win without a bonus point and we beat Benetton by plenty, we're now wondering down a rabbit hole.

"We need to play as best as we can on Friday and we know we have a home quarter-final, but it's disappointing to know that we were close to hosting a home semi-final.

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"Whoever we play in the quarter-finals, it's going to be a tough game because the middle section of the playoffs is going to be tough."

The loss may be the Stormers' second consecutive one after the Champions Cup last eight defeat to