Overview
- A 42-21 victory over a fringe La Rochelle side in Gqeberha delivered a bonus point and extended the Stormers’ winning streak to eight.
- Paul de Villiers was named man of the match after a standout display as the hosts pulled away following a tight restart at 21-14.
- The Stormers lead their Champions Cup pool on nine points, level with Leinster but ahead on points difference, and they sit atop the URC table.
- John Dobson has used 40 players across the first eight games to manage workloads and build depth, with newcomers Clinton Swart and Dylan Maart making notable scoring contributions.
- Dobson stressed the need to tighten execution before a URC derby against the Lions, with January’s trip to Harlequins viewed as potentially decisive for securing a home Champions Cup playoff.