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

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

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.

“I’ve been looking forward to it for a very long time,” said Mchunu, who made his debut for his new team on Friday night in the win over Bayonne following a long injury layoff.

“Injuries happen, and it took longer than I expected, but I’m just grateful to finally contribute,” the former Shark said. “I was really keen to pack down with the boys because I saw the work they put in during pre-season. No matter who plays, we produce the same standard, so I just wanted to keep that high.”

Mchunu could well scrum against France Test player Uini Atonio and Argentina’s Joel Sclavi.

“La Rochelle are a quality outfit. I watched them beat the Leicester Tigers on Sunday — their DNA at scrum time is similar to ours,” he said. “Any South African front row prides itself on the scrum, and this will be a big set-piece battle. I’m excited to test myself against some of Europe’s best.”

Hlungwani said taking on La Rochelle’s forwards will be a massive challenge.

“They’re very powerful, well coached, and they bully teams,” he said. “But we also pride ourselves on our scrum. Brokkie (scrum coach Brok Harris) and the forwards have worked incredibly hard. We’re looking forward to taking them on. It’s going to be a real fight.”

Having recently faced the French side twice, the Stormers know what to expect.

“The physicality is going to be huge,” Hlungwani said. “Our plans are aligned, the players understand what’s needed, and everyone knows the challenge La Rochelle bring. It was just a kick that separated us last time — we expect another really tough game.”

Hlungwani added that the Stormers are looking forward to playing once more at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where they have never been short of Eastern Cape support.

“There are so many Stormers fans in the Eastern Cape. It’s once a year they get this chance. We want them there in numbers — and we want to put on a performance worthy of them.”