Stormers player ratings: 'Outrageously brilliant' Springbok's efforts ...

Following the Stormers’ heart-breaking 22-21 defeat to La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup, here is how we rate John Dobson’s side.

15 Warrick Gelant: One of the three best attacking threats in the Stormers’ backline that was able to cut through the La Rochelle defence. He got his hands on the ball plenty and gained over 90 metres. 7

14 Suleiman Hartzenberg: Kept his width to score the try that gave the Stormers a chance of winning it. Threatened whenever he did get his hands on the ball, gaining over 60 metres. 7

13 Dan du Plessis: His ability to quickly adapt to La Rochelle’s attacking phases will have flown under the radar but certainly made it difficult for Ronan O’Gara’s side to stamp their mark with ball in hand. His defensive performance was the real standout of his game, but he was no slouch on attack. 7

12 Damian Willemse: Sensationally set up his side’s first try of the game, stepping through a hole in the La Rochelle defence and looked to have scored another if it weren’t for Herschel Jantjies’ knock. While Tawera Kerr-Barlow was named man of the match, Willemse was the best player on the pitch with an outrageously brilliant game, particularly on attack. He shifted around the backline to plug holes and was excellent defensively. 8

11 Leolin Zas: Another one of the Stormers players whose game was cut short through injury as he didn’t return from the sheds at the break. He had a few touches without making too much of an impact. 5

Bulls v Lyon: Five takeaways as ‘world-class’ Springbok stars again while disinterested French bow out of the Champions Cup

10 Manie Libbok: His performance will be remembered for his missed conversion in windy conditions as he failed to recreate his December heroics. But he played a major role in both of the Stormers’ tries and kept the La Rochelle defence guessing. The hosts wouldn’t have been in a position to win the game if it weren’t for him. 7

9 Herschel Jantjies: Ran a great supporting line to finish off his try, and while on the whole, he had a solid game, soft moments cost him and his team – most notably the disallowed try when he wasn’t looking at the ball while gathering it. 6

8 Evan Roos: The only back-rower who started and finished the match as the Stormers pack was ravaged with injuries. Again, he was busy in all facets of the game but was guilty of conceding three penalties. 6

7 Ben-Jason Dixon: Put in a thumping hit in the La Rochelle 22, which his side won a penalty from. He had a livewire 30-minute shift before being forced off with an injury. 6

6 Deon Fourie: His game was cruelly cut short through injury and one that will hopefully not rule him out for too long. Committed on defence and a pest at the breakdown when he was on the pitch. 6

Springbok Manie Libbok hooks late match-winner as La Rochelle down injury-ravaged Stormers

5 Ruben van Heerden: The lock is surely in the frame to make his Test debut this year and showed why that is the case today. Hugely impactful on both sides of the ball, a big presence at the breakdown and an excellent lineout option. 7

4 Salmaan Moerat: Brilliantly sent Jantjies over the line, thanks to some direction from Libbok, with a well-timed pass. His try assist was the highlight of his performance, but he still got through his usual bits of hammering into rucks, tackles and mauls to great effect. A poor tackle technique ended his game. 7

3 Neethling Fouche: La Rochelle’s rookie loosehead tested the Bok hopeful at times in the scrums, but much like Brok Harris, Fouche held his shape and form to not concede penalties and applied his own pressure, too. Also busy around the park. 6

2 Joseph Dweba: Just the one lineout blemish from seven, the biggest concern of his game, in an otherwise effective shift from the hooker. He had few opportunities with ball in hand but was busy on defence. 6

1 Brok Harris: That three-year contract extension the Stormers announced may not have been an April Fool’s joke after he fronted up well against the excellent Uini Atonio in the scrums. He eked out two penalties off the Frenchman in the first half, and while he did track back on occasion, he held on long enough to secure possession. Unfortunately, his game unravelled at the end, which hurt his rating. 5

Replacements: The Stormers needed their bench to step up with so many players being forced off the pitch, and on the whole, they rose to the occasion and plugged the holes. Ben Loader, Frans Malherbe, Andre Hugo Venter and Hacjivah Dayimani were standouts. 7

READ MORE: England internationals steer Exeter Chiefs to nail-biting Champions Cup win over Bath