Manie Libbok failed with a conversion attempt after the hooter as the Stormers lost 22-21 to holders La Rochelle in their Champions Cup knockout clash.
The French side showed why they are double defending champions as they came back from a 16-0 deficit early in the second half to claim the win and move into the quarterfinals.
The Stormers took a 13-point lead into the halftime break thanks to a try by scrumhalf Herschel Janties while Libbok converted and was also successful with two penalties.
Libbok added to his team’s tally early after the interval but it was at that point that the visitors mounted what proved to be a successful comeback.
La Rochelle scored three tries through prop Louis Penverne, Gregory Alldritt and Joe Sclavi, while flyhalf Antoine Hastoy came through from the kicking tee as his team went 22-16 ahead.
Former Stormers outside back Dillyn Leyds received a yellow card five minutes from full-time and the hosts took advantage of the extra man as Libbok sent a crosskick to wing Suleiman Hartzenberg to go over to score in the final minute leading to the last-gasp finish.
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— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) April 6, 2024
