Stormers........... 21pts
Tries: Jantjies 27, Hartzenberg 79
Conversions: Libbok 29
Penalties: Libbok 3, 21, 45
La Rochelle ......22pts
Tries: Penverne 49, Alldritt 61, Sclavi 67
Conversions: Hastoy 50, 62
Penalties: Hastoy 54
BACK-TO-BACK champions La Rochelle kept their dreams alive of retaining their title by the skin of their teeth as Manie Libbok failed with a dramatic last-gasp conversion.
As the pressure built with the final kick of the game, Libbok sent his effort sailing wide of the posts in the gusty wind. Wing Suleiman Hartzenberg had set up a potential upset at DHL Stadium by Libbok nailed the decisive kick to give Stormers victory over La Rochelle in their Pool contest. This time he was unable to become the hero.
Stormers controlled much of the game and carved out a a 13-0 lead. Libbok kicked a penalty and La Rochelle were losing the physical struggle up front with the tough, no-nonsense South Africans showing off their power and strength as well as experience in the set-piece and around.
It was desperation deracing over in the right corner for a try as time began to run out.
However, Libbok and his team-mates were left distraught at the final whistle as he missed the target and La Rochelle booked their place in the last eight following a real scare in Cape Town.
Just before Christmas fence from the visitors who gave up a series of penalties under pressure in front of their own line.
And referee Matthew Carley’s patience ran out when big Will Skelton killed the ball at a ruck and was sent to the sin bin, leaving La Rochelle a man short.
Moments later a scything Stormers move finished with scrum-half Herschel Jantjies strolling across for an easy try with Libbok adding the extras.
Libbok dished out fur- ther punishment with his boot at the start of the second half when La
