This Saturday, Cape Town Stadium will host a thrilling rugby clash as the DHL Stormers welcome La Rochelle, the reigning Champions Cup winners, for their first game of the season.
It’s a contest of champions, with South Africa’s finest facing Europe’s best on the newly refurbished pitch.
After a strong showing in Leicester, the Stormers are eager to claim their first Champions Cup win of the season. They’re bolstered by the return of key Springboks, including playmakers Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse and veteran Deon Fourie.
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Their opponents, La Rochelle, are just as determined.
According to SA Rugby Mag, the French club, under the legendary Ronan O’Gara, aims to recover from their opening loss to Leinster. Among their ranks is ex-Stormer Dillyn Leyds, a Cape Town prodigy who has risen to prominence in European rugby.
Leyds, who started with Western Province and played for the UCT Ikey Tigers, left an unforgettable mark in Cape Town with 65 appearances and a Test debut in 2017. Since joining La Rochelle, he’s been instrumental in their Champions Cup successes and Top 14 final appearances.
La Rochelle’s strength is not limited to Leyds. They feature Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Jack Nowell, Levani Botia and Will Skelton, making them a formidable force in European rugby.
For the Stormers, every point counts in their quest for the Champions Cup playoffs. They’re set to face Sale and Stade Francais in the coming weeks, adding pressure to perform well.
🏆 @TheStormers are finally back at DHL Stadium this weekend for a massive Champions Cup clash against defending champions @staderochelais! 🟡
🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://t.co/soPqmLU2JN#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/1zrlipAeIH
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) December 11, 2023
With consecutive SA Shield titles in the United Rugby Championship, the Stormers are a force to be reckoned with in South African rugby.
This game marks the beginning of a festive rugby season in Cape Town, featuring upcoming derbies against the Bulls and Sharks.
Fans can expect a rugby feast, starting with this weekend’s epic showdown.
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Picture: Ryan Wilkisky / BackpagePix