The Stormers will take on French side Bayonne in their Investec Champions Cup opener on Friday night without a key Springbok.

Defence coach Norman Laker confirmed that prop forwards Zach Porthen and and Ntuthuko Mchunu, along with versatile forward Ben-Jason Dixon have joined the Stormers squad in France. However, team management resisted the temptation to add star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

“Look, he’s been with the Boks now for a month,” Laker said. “We only had a one-week break before that, so it’s a long-term plan that we’ve had with certain players who’ve been with the Boks, have been with us in Europe, and then with the Boks again.”

Feinberg-Mngomezulu has played the bulk of the international season as starting flyhalf for the Springboks, including in high-profile games against the All Blacks, France, Ireland and Wales. The three Boks who have joined the Stormers squad have seen little to no game time and Laker said they were probably raring to go again.

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The Stormers are banking on renewed confidence and improved defensive clarity in the cauldron of Stade Jean-Dauger.

Laker said the group had taken “massive belief” from last week’s comeback Vodacom URC win over Irish powerhouse Munster in Limerick.

“We were disappointed with the first half, especially because of how well we prepared,” Laker said. “But to concede no points in the second half and score three tries – that showed the guys put their hands up. The bench made a massive difference.”

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JD Schickerling was part of the all-at-once bench ‘wave’ that flipped the match, and said the plan had been clear.

“The starters had to chip away, and we knew our job was to finish. Munster are always tough in Ireland, so getting that result gave the whole squad huge confidence. It showed our depth and how everyone buys into what we want to achieve.”

Laker, however, stressed the importance of discipline against Bayonne, lamenting the two yellow cards against Munster which put the Stormers on the back foot.

“Obviously, first half, like I mentioned, the two yellow cards, any international game at this level, to play with 14 men for 20 minutes is tough.”

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The Stormers have won their opening six matches of the URC but both Laker and Schickerling stressed the importance of putting that to one side and focusing on the Champions Cup.

“It’s a new competition, and we want a good start. The key is staying with 15 on the field and sticking to our systems,” Laker added. “If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a real chance.”

With an eight-day turnaround before taking on two-time La Rochelle in Gqeberha, the Stormers can afford to “empty the tank” against Bayonne, Laker added.

The Investec @ChampionsCup is back this week! pic.twitter.com/5SEuSn1Uh3

— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) December 1, 2025

Investec Champions Cup fixtures (Round 1, SA times)
Friday, 5 December
Bayonne vs Stormers, 10pm
Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors, 10pm
Saturday, 6 December
Saracens vs Clermont, 3pm
Bulls vs Bordeaux Begles, 5:15pm
La Rochelle vs Leicester Tigers, 7:30pm
Leinster vs Harlequins, 7:30pm
Scarlets vs Bristol Bears, 10pm
Bath vs Munster, 10pm
Sunday, 7 December
Pau vs Northampton Saints, 3pm
Toulouse vs Sharks, 5:15pm
Gloucester vs Castres, 5:15pm
Edinburgh vs Toulon, 7:30pm

Champions Cup fixtures

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images