Stormers lean on Cobus Reinach’s European expertise for La Rochelle duel

The Stormers will be counting heavily on the experience and sharp instincts of veteran Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach when they square up against French giants La Rochelle in their first home Champions Cup clash in Gqeberha.

Reinach’s presence brings more than just composure behind the scrum and at the base of the ruck. Having previously played for Montpellier before heading to Cape Town, he carries with him a wealth of insight into the rhythm and tactical DNA of French club rugby.

That insider knowledge could prove priceless on Saturday in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (3pm kick-off) as the Cape side hunts for a second victory in this year’s competition.

“He is extraordinary,” Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said about Reinach.

“You can debate, but in the absence of Antoine Dupont, he is the best scrumhalf in the world. I can see why Cobus is so highly rated. I did not know he was this good, and he is just an exceptional rugby player.

“He can do special things on a rugby field, and he has shown the world. Then, he has some beef with these French players. Whether it is with the national side against France or at club level, from his personal experience. He won't lack motivation.

“The magic thing about him is his investment in the team. From minute one, he has loved it here and is pleased to be part of us. He wants to win trophies. It has been a privilege getting to know him. Before he arrived, we hadn't spoken one word.”

The Stormers will also enter the match with their unbeaten record intact at the start of the season, a streak they will be fiercely determined to protect, especially looking at the home derbies over the festive period.

With momentum on their side, they’ll be eager to use their home-field advantage to maintain the winning atmosphere that has defined their early campaign.

For Reinach, the game also carries personal significance. While he has already turned out for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC), that appearance was limited to an overseas fixture. This match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, although not in Cape Town, will serve as something of a home debut for him in Stormers colours.

It will give local supporters their first chance to welcome him onto South African soil as part of the squad. That alone adds a layer of emotion and anticipation.

The Stormers will likely look to Reinach not only for his crisp service and game management but also for his ability to read the opposition and steer play when the pressure rises. His combination with fellow Springboks star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will be critical to get the team on the front foot.

However, everything will start upfront. The scrum and lineouts are likely to be hotly contested areas. If the forwards of the Stormers can turn the screws on their counterparts, it will go a long way in providing front-foot attacking ball to their dangerous backline.

But, La Rochelle will have some arrows in their quiver, especially on the attack, and the physicality of the Stormers’ defence could determine the outcome of the clash.

Stormers XV

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Wandisile Simelane.  

La Rochelle XV

15 Nathan Bollengier, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Adrien Seguret, 12 Simeli Daunivucu, 11 Hoani Bosmorin, 10 Diego Jurd, 9 Nolhann Couillaud, 8 Lucas Andjisseramatchi (captain), 7 Kirill Fraindt, 6 Charles Kante Samba, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Karl Sorin, 2 Quentin Lespiaucq, 1 Reda Wardi.

Replacements: 16 Nikoloz Sutidze, 17 Christian Luaki, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Simon Huchet, 20 Aleksandre Kuntelia, 21 Edouard Richer, 22 Thomas Berjon, 23 Dillyn Leyds.