SPOTLIGHT: The United Rugby Championship Final was played at the right venue as the competition continues its outreach into Africa but Munster taking the trophy home to Ireland might be good for the tournament going forward.
Stormers fans might not agree, and neither should they, for a home win would have been a great boost for the region and kept the Cape team’s impressive momentum built up over a period of two years where, in terms of on-field success, they’ve gone from rags to riches.
But the Stormers did win the trophy last year, so that is no longer a barrier that is needing crossing for the Cape team. Sometimes you need to lose a final to complete your rugby education and make you stronger, and in time that is how Stormers coach John Dobson is sure to look at it.
The images of Munster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions veterans Peter O’Mahony and Keith Earls in tears as they embraced each other as the emotion flooded out of them following their heroic 19-14 win in front of 56 000 fans that broke a 12-year trophy drought, portrayed the kind of drama and emotion that gives a competition traction.
It also showed how much the URC trophy means to the Munster players, and when they arrive back in Limerick they will see how much it means to their fans as big celebrations were planned for their return.
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