United Rugby Championship: Ulster have late try ruled out in Stormers defeat

Ulster had a late try controversially ruled out as they fell short of claiming an impressive win on South African soil with defeat by Stormers.

Stormers raced into a 14-0 lead thanks to early tries from Paul de Wet and Leolin Zas.

Marty Moore and Stuart McCloskey crossed for Ulster to give the Irish province hope in the Cape Town heat.

However, Ulster were denied a late winner when Callum Reid's try was ruled out for a knock on.

The decision left Ulster enraged with captain Alan O'Connor claiming that Stormers flanker Hacjivah Dayimani, not Reid, had knocked the ball on.

However, following a lengthy TMO review, Stormers were awarded a scrum as the South African side held on for a controversial win.

The losing bonus point moves Ulster level with Leinster at the top of the United Rugby Championship standings with the latter travelling to Connacht on Saturday evening.

Ulster had reason to be confident about the prospect of becoming the first visiting side to win in South Africa this season following a run of seven straight victories, but they were blown away by an electrifying start from the hosts as De Wet crossed after just three minutes.

It was a trademark counter-attack from the Stormers, Zas charging into space and slipping the ball to the onrushing De Wet, who showed blistering pace before touching down.

Within five minutes, Stormers grabbed their second when Manie Libbok quickly shifted the ball out wide for Zas to cross in the corner.

While Stormers dominated at the breakdown, Ulster were offered much-needed reprieve when Moore struck in the 22nd minute, forcing himself over the line after the home side's defence had stopped Rob Herring and Billy Burns.

Stormers always looked dangerous with ball in hand, and while