Stormers’ unbeaten run faces test

HYPE is swirling, and the unbeaten buzz is loud, but the Stormers are tuning out the noise as they steel themselves for a seismic Champions Cup duel with La Rochelle in Gqeberha on Saturday.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

STORMERS flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is back in the saddle and must steer the team in their Champions Cup encounter with La Rochelle on Saturday afternoon in Gqeberha.

(I BackpagePix)

The Cape side will host the former champions at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (3pm kickoff) as they look to keep their unbeaten run intact following a strong start to the season in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and elite European competition.

While there is plenty of hype around the Stormers and the form they are currently in, director of rugby John Dobson has warned that getting caught up in it could be detrimental.

It is an important match in the context of the season for the home team; they will look to maintain their winning momentum. However, a loss could derail them, looking at the tough South African URC derbies ahead in December. In January, they will conclude their Champions Cup group stage with another home-and-away duel.