Stormers player ratings: ‘Barbaric’ scrum powers visitors to famous win as ‘supremely powerful’ Springbok hopeful sets the tone

Following the Stormers’ 26-17 win over Bayonne in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, here is how we rated John Dobson’s men. 

Stormers player ratings v Bayonne

15 Wandisile Simelane: Looked really threatening ball-in-hand, particularly on the counter-attack, and quickly became his side’s chief strike weapon as a result. Managed to find himself popping up in different spaces too, which caused the Bayonne defence all sorts of issues. 7

14 Dylan Maart: Was well-managed by the Bayonne defence, but when he did get the ball in his hands, he looked dangerous with 40 metres from just two carries. Will have wanted more time on the ball, though. 6

13 Jonny Roche: A late inclusion, with Warrick Gelant dropping out through illness, but was kept fairly quiet throughout. 5

12 Dan du Plessis: Starved of any meaningful time on the ball, but stepped up to the plate in defence as Bayonne looked to target that 12 channel. 6

11 Leolin Zas: Was used sparingly, but made a real impact when in possession. Managed to always find himself in good space whenever he was given the ball, and helped motor his team up the pitch. Also notched an assist for his troubles. 7

10 Clinton Swart: Faces the unenviable task of competing with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for a spot in the starting XV, but did his chances no harm at all tonight. Guided his side around the pitch really nicely, crucially combining with Imad Khan to good effect as well, and his boot proved crucial too. His kicking out of hand helped flip the game on its head, and he backed that up from the tee with six kicks from six. 7

9 Imad Khan: Made a bright start with a try early into the night, and carried on from there. Looked very zippy around the ruck, injecting some tempo into his side’s attack at the right times as a result, and always seemed to make things happen ball-in-hand. 7

Back-row

8 Ruan Ackermann: Trucked hard through traffic to make some crucial gains for his side, as he continues to impress at his new home. His effect on proceedings was reflected with his side’s drop-off upon his departure. 7

7 Ben-Jason Dixon: Shook off an early head knock to have a strong outing. Brought heaps of physicality to proceedings, particularly when deployed in those wide channels, and never shied away from the ugly work. 6

6 Paul de Villiers: Simply excellent right across the game, and his match-winning try was a fitting reward for his efforts. Showed an unsuitable appetite for work, leading the way for completed tackles (19), turnovers (3) and metres (130) for the stormers, and also made the most carries out of anyone in the pack. 8

Tight five

5 Connor Evans: Did all the ugly stuff well, particularly in defence, and helped his team survive after the Bayonne pack’s early onslaught. Finished second in the tackle stats prior to his departure, with 11 to his name. 6

4 Salmaan Moerat (c): Worked hard around the park to help his side get on the front foot, and crucially made the right decisions at the right times to help his side extend their lead early on. Didn’t set the pitch alight, but it was a solid knock. 6

3 Neethling Fouché: Had his scrummaging opponent on skates throughout his shift, and threw his body around in the loose as well. 7

2 JJ Kotzé: Didn’t really put a foot wrong tonight. Nailed the lineout, got himself involved in the tight and contributed to a strong scrummaging effort. 7

1 Ntuthuko Mchunu: Involved right from the off around the park, and looked supremely powerful in the scrum on what was a great debut for his new club. The springboks have heaps of depth at loosehead, but a performance like this could get him back into the mix. 8

Replacements: Blew very hot and cold, but overall, can be pleased with their efforts.

Looking at the cold first, Adre Smith’s red card really allowed Bayonne to get a foothold in the contest just when they seemed down and out. The Bayonne replacements also began to gradually increase the pressure on the visitors, particularly up front.

But, in keeping with the flow of the half, the replacement front-row were utterly barbaric with their efforts in the scrum. Those scrummaging showcases quickly got them back on the front foot at a crucial time and eventually worked the Stormers into position to clinch the game. Just so impressive. 7