United Rugby Championship: Ospreys eye play-off place after stunning Stormers success

Ospreys have won twice in South Africa so far this season

Ospreys head coach Toby Booth says his side have given themselves a chance of a United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off place after Saturday's success in South Africa.

Ospreys stunned Stormers in Cape Town as a 27-21 bonus-point victory underlined their top-eight credentials.

Three points separate sides from fifth to 11th in the URC table, with Ospreys in seventh place.

"We have talked about every game being a cup final now," said Booth.

Booth's side travel to face fourth-placed Bulls in Pretoria at altitude next weekend before playing league leaders Leinster in Dublin and finishing with Welsh derbies against Dragons and Cardiff.

The top eight teams in the table will qualify for the play-offs in June.

"We have managed to get maximum points from this and we still have a chance," said Booth.

"On Monday this game will be ancient history. Whether you win or lose, what matters in professional sport what comes next."

Booth did allow himself time to reflect on what was one of the finest victories of his four-year Ospreys reign.

A landmark success for Welsh sides

It was also the most impressive performance by a Welsh region this season, against a team who have played in the last two URC finals.

This victory was a first away league win by a Welsh side this season against opposition from outside Wales.

It was a second triumph for Ospreys in South Africa in 2023-24 following the European Challenge Cup success against Lions in January.

Wing Luke Morgan scored two tries against Stormers, while hooker Sam Parry and flanker Harri Deaves also touched down, while Jack Walsh kicked two conversions and a penalty.

The victory was based on a defiant defence and outstanding performances from the likes of Deaves, Morgan Morris, Huw Sutton, James Ratti, Owen Watkin and Nicky Smith.

Ospreys number eight Morgan Morris was player of the match against Stormers

Success was achieved without injured Wales internationals Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake, George North and Alex Cuthbert, while Ospreys captain Justin Tipuric and prop Gareth Thomas were not involved and prop Tom Botha was suspended.

Booth says he hopes Tipuric, Thomas and Lake could be fit to face the Bulls next Saturday.

The South Africa trip comes on the back on the disappointment of European elimination, after Ospreys were knocked out in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals by Gloucester.

"It was a great reflection of an unbelievable group," said Booth.

"The disappointment of the European exit, where we felt we were not at our best, was a challenge emotionally.

"I am proud talking about a team that has so much resilience and an ability to find a way in difficult times."

Booth said his team "had to suffer at times" against Stormers, adding: "We are a good team when our backs are up against the wall. That comes from a core group that care about each other deeply.

"I spoke to a few players coming off the field who were disappointed the Stormers got a losing bonus point at the end. That probably tells you a lot."

Ospreys have won four matches against South African sides this season and can complete a set of victories by defeating the Bulls.