Stumbling Stormers schooled on the road as Edinburgh fly high

The Stormers could not take their opportunities when they came, making mistakes and taking the wrong options at crucial intervals in falling to a hugely disappointing 38-7 defeat to Edinburgh at DAM Health Stadium on Saturday.

With the Sharks having been embarrassed by Benetton in Italy in the day's previous fixtures - the Durbanites lost 39-10 - South Africans would have been hoping for something a lot better from the Stormers. 

Instead, the South Africans have now lost two from two on their URC travels this weekend.

The Stormers start didn’t inspire much confidence, and while both sides used the early stages to try and play as expansively and positively as possible, it was the Scottish hosts were up 14-0 after just 22 minutes with tries from Patrick Harrison and Ben Muncaster.

As the half drew longer, however, the Stormers began to control proceedings thanks largely to clear dominance at the scrum that allowed them the freedom to release their backs. 

After a period of sustained pressure, it was Ruhan Nel who went over in the 32nd minute to pull things back to 14-7. 

The Stormers also closed out the first half strongest and probably would have wanted it to carry on for longer, because with Edinburgh scrambling, a second try for coach John Dobson's men looked a near certainty. 

They continued to look dangerous after the restart, too, with wing Leolin Zas having a try disallowed for an earlier knock-on in the build.

At that point, Dobson would have been wondering how his side only had seven points on the board.

It was another opportunity not taken for the tourists, and the reprieve allowed Edinburgh to settle back into the contest as they enjoyed a period of field territory and possession.

A lot was asked of the Stormers