Stormers vs La Rochelle Predictions - Stormers set to secure another home victory

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 23 minutes ago

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Brad Newcomb 23 minutes ago

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Stormers have won 7 consecutive games, including 6 at home.
La Rochelle struggles away, losing 6 of last 7 matches.
Stormers are favourites to cover the -14.5 handicap.

Stormers are on a winning streak at home (Getty Images)

Stormers secured an away victory over Top 14 opposition last weekend and have performed well at home lately. La Rochelle also won their opening European Rugby Champions Cup match, but they do not have the best away form.

Stormers have won 7 consecutive fixtures in all competitions.
Stormers have won 6 consecutive home games (URC).
La Rochelle have won 2 of their last 5 matches in all competitions.
La Rochelle have lost 6 of their last 7 away fixtures (Top 14).

Head to Head

Stormers and La Rochelle have recorded one victory each in their two meetings.

Stormers Form

Stormers had a solid first half against Bayonne in their opening European Rugby Champions Cup match last weekend, scoring three penalties and a converted try to lead the Top 14 side 16-5 at half-time.

However, the Stormers were on course to lose before scoring a converted try after 77 minutes of play and kicked a penalty four minutes later to secure a 26-17 away victory.

Stormers have been in great touch at home in their last five fixtures. They defeated Benetton 56-5, the Dragons 48-12, Cardiff 34-24, Leinster 35-0, and the Ospreys 26-10.

Stormers are first in the United Rugby Championship standings with 27 points from six matches.

Stormers will be pleased with their efforts in their previous outing in the competition and will start confidently against La Rochelle at home, having won six consecutive home games in front of their loyal fans.

La Rochelle Form

La Rochelle crossed the try line three times and slotted a conversion in the first half against the Leicester Tigers last weekend to lead 17-13 at half-time.

La Rochelle added three tries, two conversions, and a penalty in the second half against Leicester to win their Investec Cup opener 39-20 at home.

La Rochelle lost 37–13 to Montpellier and 26–24 to Stade Français, then defeated Lyon 36–19 before subsequently losing 39–14 to Toulon and 53–33 to Pau in their last five away fixtures.

La Rochelle sit in 10th place in the Top 14 table with 26 points from 11 games.

La Rochelle have a tough assignment ahead if they are to get a result against the Stormers, having lost six of their last seven away matches, while their opponents have been in fine form of late.

Team News

Stormers

Salmaan Moerat has stressed that the Stormers need to steer clear of any disciplinary lapses in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup meeting with La Rochelle. He said: "We played about 50 minutes with 14 men these past couple of games, and at this level, it's unacceptable. It really challenges the team on defence and on attack."

Lock Adre Smith has received a one-week ban for stamping last weekend.

Starting XV: Warrick Gelant, Dylan Maart, Ruhan Nel, Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon, Paul de Villiers, JD Schickerling, Salmaan Moerat, Neethling Fouché, André-Hugo Venter, Ntuthuko Mchunu.

La Rochelle

Head coach Ronan O'Gara has selected a weaker team to face the Stormers this weekend, which includes Bollengier, Bosmorin, Daunivucu, Kante Samba, Kuntelia, Sorin, Sutidze, Couillaud, Fraindt, Garault, Huchet, Jurd, Luaki, Richer, and Oscar Boutez.

Captain Grégory Alldritt has stated: "We have a lot of injuries, so it’s also a chance for these players to put their hands up and show that they’re here.”