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Stormers set for seismic forward contest against La Rochelle's giants

The Mercury

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December 09, 2025

THE Stormers are preparing for a physical showdown with French giants La Rochelle in Gqeberha in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The 2022 champions boast a host of French internationals, spearheaded by France No 8 Gregory Alldritt, and the Stormers know they cannot allow the visitors to dominate in the physical exchanges.

The Frenchmen have played the Stormers twice in Cape Town, winning one and losing one during the 2023-2024 season. La Rochelle are targeting the Champions Cup due to a faltering Top 14 campaign - they are in 10th place with five wins and six losses - while the Stormers remain unbeaten.

For it to stay that way, Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani and loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu reckon they must impose themselves in the set pieces.

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