The Stormers are preparing for one of their most physically demanding fixtures of the season when they host La Rochelle in Gqeberha in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday.
There is literally nothing between the two teams, with each side recording one win apiece in Cape Town – by a solitary point – in the 2023-24 season. La Rochelle, though, have bragging rights as their 22-21 victory came in the round- of-16 playoff.
ALSO: When Stormers stunned Champions Cup kings
After an impressive away opening win over Bayonne, Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani and loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu are embracing what promises to be a brutal set-piece battle against La Rochelle.
Mchunu, who made his long-awaited Stormers debut on Friday night, said finally getting onto the field after a lengthy injury lay-off was “super special”.
“I’ve been looking forward to it for a very long time,” he said. “Injuries happen and it took longer than I expected, but I’m just grateful to finally contribute. I was really keen to pack down with the boys because I saw the work they’d put in during pre-season. No matter who plays, we produce the same standard, so I just wanted to keep that high.”
Mchunu knows exactly what awaits him on Saturday, with the possibility of scrumming against world-class tightheads Uini Atonio and Joel Sclavi.
“La Rochelle are a quality outfit. I watched their game [a 39-20 win against the Leicester Tigers] on Sunday – their DNA at scrum time is similar to ours. 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.”
STATE OF EURO CUPS: Stormers fly SA flag
Hlungwani echoed that sentiment, describing La Rochelle’s pack as “a massive challenge”.
“They’re very powerful, very 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 played the French giants twice already, the Stormers know exactly what’s coming.
“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.”
MORE: La Rochelle brace for red-hot Stormers in PE
Hlungwani added that the Stormers were relishing their return to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“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.”
The post Stormers up for ‘massive’ La Rochelle challenge appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.