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Stormers blow past Ronan O'Gara-less La Rochelle in Champions Cup
By Ian Cameron
Stormers powered to an emphatic 42-21 victory over La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, running in six tries to overwhelm the French side with a dominant second-half display.
The visitors were also operating without DoR Ronan O’Gara on the sidelines. The Ireland and Munster legend was barred from pitchside duties after receiving a two-week suspension and a €3,000 fine following a red card in La Rochelle’s recent Top 14 defeat to Pau.
The South African hosts struck early when Dylan Maart dotted down inside two minutes after Springbok superstar Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu split the French defence before offloading to the winger.
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They doubled their advantage soon after through Leolin Zas, again created by Feinberg-Mngomezulu, although missed conversions kept the score 10-0.
La Rochelle responded through a driving maul finished by Quentin Lespiaucq. Diego Jurd’s conversion then cut the gap to three points.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu steadied the Stormers ship with two penalties before the break, before Andre-Hugo Venter crossed from close range shortly after the restart to give the hosts breathing space.
Despite a yellow card for Neethling Fouche and a brief La Rochelle fightback via Nika Sutidze, the Stormers took control. Tries from Maart and Warrick Gelant, both converted by Feinberg-Mngomezulu, stretched the lead beyond reach.
Nathan Bollengier replied for the visitors late on, but it was too little too late.
Indeed, the Stormers had the final word when Marcel Theunissen finished a flowing move in the closing stages.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu added the extras to cap a commanding performance.
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