The Stormers say their perfect Vodacom URC record is of no value as they gear up to take on Europe’s very best in the Investec Champions Cup.

Fresh off a landmark victory over Munster in Limerick – their first ever at Thomond Park – John Dobson’s side sit pretty at the top of the URC table after six wins from six. But lock JD Schickerling says none of that momentum carries any weight as they go into their tournament opener against Bayonne on Friday night.

“Bayonne will be a really tough start for us. We are going into a whole new competition where what we have done in the URC doesn’t count for anything,” Schickerling said.

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You never forget your first time. #MUNvSTO #inittogether @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/fhx6gETCGz

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) December 1, 2025

The Stormers are well on track to achieve the minimum URC requirement of finishing inside the top eight, potentially needing only two more wins from their remaining 12 fixtures to secure a play-off spot. But the ambition is far greater – a home semi-final – and, on the continental front, redemption after crashing out in last season’s Pool stage.

Schickerling says the squad has already “parked” the Munster win and shifted into Champions Cup mode.

“It is going to be a massive challenge but we are looking forward to it. We have a short turnaround of just six days so not much time to get over the sore bodies from last week’s game but there will be a lot of emphasis on recovery. We have moved on quickly from the Munster win as we know we don’t have time to dwell on it and we are now ready for our next challenge.”

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And that next challenge is brutal. Bayonne’s home ground is renowned as one of the most hostile in France and the hosts haven’t lost there since the Bulls stunned them in an EPCR Challenge Cup knock-out match back in April.

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