How do we rate John Dobson's side after the Stormers' heartbreaking 22-21 defeat to La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup?
Stormers player ratings vs La Rochelle
15 Warwick Geraint: One of the three best attacking threats in the Stormers' backline who was able to break through La Rochelle's defense. He handled the ball well and gained more than 90 meters of distance. 7
14 Suleiman Hartzenberg: He stayed wide and scored a try, giving the Stormers a chance to win. Every time he picked up the ball he was threatened and gained more than 60 meters. 7
13 Dan du Plessis: His ability to adapt quickly to La Rochelle's attacking situations may have gone unnoticed, but it certainly made it difficult for Ronan O'Gara's side to make their mark on the ball. His defensive performance really stood out in his game, but he didn't skimp on attack either. 7
12 Damien Willemse: He sensationally scored his team's first try of the game, breaking through holes in La Rochelle's defense and looking like he might have scored another goal had it not been for a knock from Herschel Jantjies. Tawera Kerr-Barlow was named Man of the Match, while Willemse was the best player on the pitch, playing very well, especially in attack. He shifted around the backline to fill holes and was also excellent defensively. 8
11 Leolin The: Another Stormers player did not return from the shed during the break, leading to the game being stopped midway through with an injury. He made a few touches without too much impact. Five
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10 Manny Livbok: His performance will be remembered for failing to repeat his December heroics and missing a conversion in windy conditions. However, he played a key role in two of the Stormers' tries, keeping La Rochelle's defense guessing. Without him, the host team would not have been in a position to win the match. 7
9 Herschel Jansey: He ran a great support line and scored a try. He had a solid game overall, but the sweet moments cost him and the team. Most notably, he had a try disallowed because he did not see the ball while collecting it. 6
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8 Evan Ruth: He was the only back rower to start and finish the match as the Stormers' group was battered by injuries. Again, he was busy in all aspects of the match, but he was guilty of conceding three penalties. 6
7 Ben Jason Dixon: A powerful hit on La Rochelle's 22 earned the team a penalty. He was on duty for 30 minutes before being forced to leave due to injury. 6
6 Deon Fourie: His game was brutally cut short by the injury, but the injury won't keep him out for long. He focused on defense and was a breakdown pest when he was on the pitch. 6
Springbok's Manny Livbok hooks a late winner as La Rochelle beat injury-hit Stormers
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5 Ruben van Heerden: Lock is certainly in the slot to make his Test debut this year and showed why that could be the case today. Has great influence on both sides of the ball, has a great presence at the breakdown and has good lineout options. 7
4 Salman Moerat: Thanks to Livbok's instructions, he successfully sent Jantjes over the line with a well-timed pass. His try assist was the highlight of his performance, but he still nailed his usual rucks, tackles and runs into mauls. Poor tackling technique ended his game. 7
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3 Neethling Fouche: La Rochelle's new loosehead sometimes tested the Bok prospects in the scrum, but like Brock Harris, Fouche applied his own pressure by staying fit and fit to avoid giving away penalties. The area around the park is also crowded. 6
2 Joseph Dweba: It was an effective shift from Hooker, with only one missed lineout from seven, the biggest concern of his game. He had few chances with the ball in his hands, but he was busy defending. 6
1 Brock Harris: The three-year contract extension announced by the Stormers may not have been an April Fool's joke as he performed well up front against Wini Atonio, who excels in the scrum. He scored two penalties against the French players in the first half and held out long enough to hold onto the ball despite occasional setbacks. Unfortunately, his game fell apart in the end, which hurt his reputation. Five
Replacement: The Stormers' bench had to step up with a number of players forced off the pitch, but overall they rose to the occasion and plugged the holes. Ben Roeder, Frans Malherbe, Andre-Hugo Ventel and Hajiba Deimani were outstanding. 7
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