After a cracking win in their opening Champions Cup Pool 3 match the Stormers return to South Africa for the next assignment, a Round 2 clash with La Rochelle which will be staged in Gqeberha on Saturday
Stormers v La Rochelle, Saturday 13th December, Gqeberha, KO 15:00 (South African time)
Referee: Luke Pearce (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (Eng), Joe James (Eng)
TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)
Weather Forecast – Gqeberha
Stormers:
The Stormers began their Champions Cup campaign away to Bayonne last weekend. It was virtually a “choice” game in terms of the betting but the Stormers came out on top 26-17. They led 16-5 at half time and although the deficit was reduced to 1 point, the Stormers regained their composure to come away with 4 log points despite the ty count finishing 3-2 in Bayonne’s favour.
After this the Stormers visit Harlequins in Round 3 in January and they finish up at home to Leicester Tigers.
In the URC the Stormers are the only side to boast a 100% record, 6 wins from 6 and after coming from behind to win at Munster in the most recent round they were 2 points clear of Cardiff at the top of the standings and 11 points better off than the next best South Africa side, the Lions who are seventh.
To win the Champions Cup title this season the Stormers are 25/1 shots with Hollywoodbets
La Rochelle:
La Rochelle began their campaign at home to Leicester Tigers, they were 11.5 point favourites on the main handicap line and they came out on top 39-20 scoring 5 tries to 2 to earn a bonus point which sent them to the top of the pool standings.
Leinster also have the full 5 points and are second with the Stormers third on 4, Harlequins have 1 point and Bayonne and Leicester Tigers have yet to open their account.
After this Round 3 sees La Rochelle visit Leinster in Round 3 and they finish the pool stage at home to Harlequins.
In the Top 14 La Rochelle are down in tenth position with 5 wins and 6 defeats against their name and they suffered 3 defeats in a row in November, at Toulon (39-14), at home to Castres (19-17) and then away to Section Paloise (53-33).
To win the Champions Cup title this season La Rochelle are 14/1 shots with Hollywoodbets
Team News
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Wandisile Simelane
La Rochelle: 15 Nathan Bollengier, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Adrien Seguret, 12 Simeli Daunivucu, 11 Hoani Bosmorin, 10 Diego Jurd, 9 Nolhann Couillaud, 8 Lucas Andjisseramatchi (captain), 7 Kirill Fraindt, 6 Charles Kante Samba, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Karl Sorin, 2 Quentin Lespiaucq, 1 Reda Wardi
Replacements: 16 Nikoloz Sutidze, 17 Christian Luaki, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Simon Huchet, 20 Aleksandre Kuntelia, 21 Edouard Richer, 22 Thomas Berjon, 23 Dillyn Leyds
The Betting,
Average early show
Stormers -19.5 points at 9/10
La Rochelle +19.5 at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
This Weeks Bets
Brent Graham's betting angle and plays for this weeks Champions Cup matches will be posted on this Blog.
Finally, all this week's rugby tips from members of the Goodforthegame community can be found on the weekly rugby thread on our brand new discussion forum. If you haven't done so already, register a forum account here.