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united-rugby-championship
Stormers captain Deon Fourie has accused Leinster of a lack of sportsmanship for their antics against his side in their URC clash at the Aviva Stadium.
The South Africans ran out 36-12 losers in a performance that director of rugby John Dobson labelled as one of their worst of the season.
Dan Sheehan marked his return with two tries while James Lowe also impressed, making his first appearance since October.
Ross Byrne kicked an early penalty before Jordie Barrett set up Jamie Osborne’s try. Ben Loader hit back for the Stormers after a slick move involving Manie Libbok and Warrick Gelant, narrowing the gap to 15-7 at halftime.
Sheehan then powered over for a vital score just before the break.
In the second half, Barrett and Osborne added further tries, while Sheehan secured the bonus point after excellent crossfield kick from Lowe. Evan Roos muscled over for a late consolation, but it was too little too late.
However, it was the behaviour of some Leinster players at lineouts that upset the Stormer’s captain.
“I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this…but there’s a certain line where sportsmanship comes into play,” Fourie told a press conference in Dublin.
“I won’t mention names who did it, but them running numbers and shouting while we must call our line-outs.
“And then we can’t hear what we must do or react on our calls.”
Despite raising the issue with referee Eoghan Cross, Fourie felt his concerns were dismissed.
“I asked the referee a few times to stop it, but it didn’t work, for me it’s unsportsmanlike and it’s not good for the game.
“Otherwise, this game is just going to be a shouting game in the future.”
The loss also saw Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok leave the field in the first half with a knee injury. Stormers DoR Dobson provided no definitive update, stating: “He can’t run, but I really have no clue.”
Leo Cullen’s Leinster remain unbeaten this season, while the Stormers face growing pressure.
