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Stormers Seize 26-17 Champions Cup Opener in Bayonne After Red-Card Drama

A TMO-verified late penalty capped a resilient set-piece surge to turn a red-card scare into a valuable away start in Europe.

Overview

  • The visitors led 16-5 at half-time through Imad Khan’s early try and Clinton Swart’s accurate goal-kicking.
  • Replacement lock Adré Smith was sent off for stamping, and with Leolin Zas later yellow-carded the Stormers briefly dropped to 13 as Bayonne moved 17-16 ahead.
  • Scrum dominance in the closing stages drew repeated infringements and two Bayonne yellow cards, opening the door for Paul de Villiers to power over.
  • Swart finished with 16 points from four penalties and two conversions, including a final kick confirmed by the TMO after on-field officials initially missed it.
  • The result was a rare away success at Bayonne’s Stade Jean Dauger, reinforcing momentum before the Stormers host La Rochelle in Gqeberha next week.