Munster vs Stormers Predictions - Stormers to get close in top-of-the-table clash against Munster

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 3 hours ago

Ralph Staniforth 3 hours ago

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Munster and Stormers are both on five-match winning streaks.
Munster has historically dominated, winning 4 of last 5 against Stormers.
Close match expected; Stormers predicted to stay within 9.5 points.

Stormers can get close against Munster at Thomond Park (Getty Images)

Munster vs Stormers Predictions

It is a pity this match is happening this weekend when the Springboks are playing and the Stormers are missing some key players. Munster also won’t be at full strength as they look to rest players ahead of the Champions Cup next weekend.

Munster vs Stormers Predictions
Head to Head
Munster Form
Stormers Form
Munster vs Stormers Team News & Squads

It remains a top-of-the-table clash with both teams on a five-match winning streak. Looking at the two sides, I am backing the Stormers to get within 9.5 points.

Munster have won their last 5 URC matches.
Munster have won 3 of their last 4 URC matches by 3 points or less.
Munster have won 4 of their last 5 matches against the Stormers.
Stormers have won their last 5 URC matches.
Stormers have won all 5 of their matches by 15+ points.

Head to Head

Munster have won four of their last five matches against Stormers.

Munster Form

Munster have made a superb start to the URC season, winning their opening five matches. They are second on the table as their opponents currently occupy top on points difference.

The Irish club beat Scarlets away to kick their season off before narrowly beating Cardiff at home in round two. Another closely fought win over Edinburgh followed in round three.

By far Munster’s best performance came in round four when they beat archrivals, Leinster 31-14 away from home. Just before the international break, Munster held on for a 17-15 home victory against Connacht.

Stormers Form

Stormers have made a blistering start to the URC campaign and currently top the table ahead of Munster on points difference. With five wins from five and a positive 118 points difference, things are looking up for the Cape side.

In round one, Stormers thrashed Leinster 35-0 before beating Ospreys 26-10. Both of those fixtures were at home. Stormers then headed off to Europe for a three-match tour.

John Dobson’s side beat Scarlets 34-0 in Wales before a 31-13 success against Zebre. They won their last match 31-16 against Benetton before the international break.

Munster vs Stormers Team News & Squads

Munster: 15 Shane Daly, 14 Diarmuid Kilgallen, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Jack O’Donoghue, 6 Tadhg Beirne (captain), 5 Fineen Wycherley, 4 Tom Ahern, 3 John Ryan, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Jeremy Loughman

Replacements: 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Ronan Foxe, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 John Hodnett, 21 Ethan Coughlan, 22 Tony Butler, 23 Dan Kelly

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Ruhan Nel, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo.

Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adré Smith, 20 JD Schickerling, 21 Ruan Ackermann, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Clinton Swart.