Manie Libbok slots late conversion as Stormers seal dramatic Champions Cup win against La Rochelle

Stormers fly-half Manie Libbok kicked a late conversion to give the South African side a famous win over two-time defending champions Stade Rochelais in the Champions Cup.

The home side had not led at any point in the game until the clock was in the red, with Libbok adding the extras to a late try from replacement Andre-Hugo Venter.

Defeat means the defending champions have lost both of their opening matches in this year's Investec Champions Cup, and the threat of an early elimination hangs over the TOP14 side.

Under the South African sun, it was Stade Rochelais who looked most at home during the first-half.

Both the French side and DHL Stormers scored two penalties apiece via their fly-halves, Antoine Hastoy and Libbok respectively, but they were separated at the break by the only try of the first period.

That came via Stade Rochelais scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow, who had an easy finish after a remarkable run down the right wing by hooker Pierre Bougarrit, with Hastoy converting to leave the defending champions 13-6 up at the break.

Libbok’s third penalty was the first score of the second period, but No. 8 Yoan Tanga went over for the French side’s second converted try moments later.

But Stade Rochelais failed to get clear of their hosts, with DHL Stormers striking back via Ben Loader in the 51st minute, the wing collecting a cross field kick from centre Damien Willemse to score the United Rugby Championship side’s first try.

Libbok failed to convert, but the South Africans were now on the front foot and the two-time champions found themselves having to dig in and defend for the remaining half an hour of the game.

It looked as if Hastoy had given the TOP14 side the win with a late try of his own, but that was called back for head contact in the build-up initiated by Joel Sclavi, who was sent to the sin-bin.

That set the stage for a remarkable closing few minutes, with Venter’s try and Libbok’s conversion condemning the defending champions to their second loss in a row.

Stade Rochelais now find themselves needing a big performance in their next match against Leicester Tigers at home, while DHL Stormers will face Sale Sharks at the DHL Stadium.

Champions Cup