The Stormers survived a second-half red card and a fierce Bayonne comeback to clinch a crucial away win in their Investec Champions Cup opener at the Stade Jean Dauger.
John Dobson’s men triumphed 26-17 having led 16-5 half-time.
Away victories in Europe are notoriously hard to come by and Bayonne rarely lose at home. Their last defeat in the Basque fortress came in April, and they had won 10 straight Top 14 matches at home.
But the Stormers’ physicality, set-piece accuracy and breakdown intensity put them in control early as they surged into a deserved lead.
A try by scrumhalf Imad Khan and the boot of veteran flyhalf Clinton Swart saw them well in control.
First try of the season was an absolute BEAUT by @THESTORMERS
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— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 5, 2025
However, the match flipped dramatically when replacement lock Adré Smith was shown a red card for stamping.
The TMO initially pushed for a bunker red, but the Stormers could count themselves fortunate that the referee stopped short of making the sending-off permanent.
Bayonne took immediate advantage to cross the tryline, only for the score to be ruled out for obstruction on Jonathan Roche – a late inclusion after fullback Warrick Gelant had to withdraw shortly before kick-off.
The Stormers were playing with 14 men for 20 minutes, and were then briefly reduced to 13 when wing Leolin Zas was yellow-carded for contact in an aerial contest.
The numerical disadvantage proved costly as the 11-point lead evaporated and a fired-up Bayonne roared back to take a slim 17-16 deficit.
But the Stormers have made resilience a trademark this season and their scrum took command in the dying stages. A series of dominant set-pieces and cynical infringements from Bayonne saw the hosts reduced to 13 men.
Paul de Villiers powered over from close range to reclaim the lead, before Clinton Swart added a late penalty – confirmed only after a post-match TMO review – to seal the victory and deny Bayonne a bonus point.
With a crucial overseas win in the bank, the Stormers return home to South Africa with real momentum ahead of next week’s clash against La Rochelle in Gqeberha.
BAYONNE – Tries: Frederik Mori, Lucas Paulos, Arnaud Erbinartegaray. Conversion: Facundo Bosch.
STORMERS – Tries: Imad Khan, Paul de Villiers. Conversions: Clinton Swart (2). Penalty goals: Swart (4).
Photo: Dave Winter/INPHO
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