Stormers brace for La Rochelle backlash ahead of ‘world-class’ clash in Cape Town

Stormers veteran Deon Fourie is expecting a massive challenge from La Rochelle who will be looking to bounce back from defeat when they travel to Cape Town this weekend.

It will be the first time the two sides have met and both teams will be desperate to return to winning ways after losing in the opening round. The Stormers sent a weakened side to Leicester Tigers and almost stole a win whilst La Rochelle lost to Leinster in a 2022/23 final replay.

Depth in the Cape

Fourie knows there will be a response from the back-to-back Champions Cup winners but insists the Stormers who will feature on the weekend are fresh and ready after not travelling.

The World Cup winner praised the bold choice by head coach John Dobson and his backroom staff and despite losing, Fourie highlighted the depth the Stormers have grown.

“It wasn’t just the Springboks, it was almost a whole team that stayed behind. The travelling and playing on a Sunday, some of the guys haven’t arrived in Cape Town yet. So imagine only arriving on Tuesday night and you have to play on a Saturday,” Fourie explained.

“It’s a clever move from Dobbo and the management. You can see the depth that we have as well, I think we ticked those boxes against Leicester last weekend.

“In terms of the Boks, we had four weeks off [after the World Cup] where we could get away from the game. It’s nice to be back at the Stormers. There are lots of fresh faces and voices so that helps a lot.”

Forward battle

Whilst the French side does have some exciting backs such as former Stormers players Dillyn Leyds and Raymond Rhule, Fourie believes the biggest battle of the game will be up front in the forwards. The Capetonians will need the veteran to be at his best at the breakdown to combat the influence of Fijian superstar Levani Botia.

“They are the reigning champions. They have a massive forward pack and some exciting backs as well. But I think the biggest key will be in the forwards,” Fourie said.

“If they get momentum and get on top of you, then it’s going to be a long day.

“Like us, some of their French internationals are just back from a sabbatical or resting period. They have guys like Aldritt and Danty, who can break your momentum with big moments. They have Botia as well, who is a menace at the breakdown.

“They are not the reigning champions, two in a row, for nothing. I know how big that loss against Leinster was. They were almost 16 games unbeaten in La Rochelle. For them to lose at home is a big thing. They will be coming down here to rectify that.”

Pitch perfect

It will also be the first time this season in any competition that the Stormers will play at the DHL Stadium complete with its new pitch which passed the gruelling test of a Sevens weekend with flying colours.

Fourie suggests the surface will be playing faster than it did before which could suit the free-flowing game of the Stormers.

“Playing on a new surface, we can pack away the long studs a bit,” Fourie said. “Last year, we were slipping around a bit. It’s great. I think it suits us, especially with a world-class game coming on Saturday.

“Hopefully, everyone can come out and support us and we can put on a great spectacle.”

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