Leicester 35
Stormers 26
The chances of Handré Pollard sending his compatriots home empty-handed always felt pretty high and, sure enough, 20 points from their high-profile fly-half was enough to secure a valuable bonus-point victory for the hosts.
The coup de grace was slightly delayed, however, as an initially under-par Leicester flirted with embarrassment before Pollard's haul and a couple of tries from the powerful centre Solomone Kata tipped the contest towards the Tigers. It was not until Pollard converted his own 74th-minute try to put his side 30-23 ahead that normal service looked like being restored, with the winger Josh Bassett sliding over for the crucial fourth try in the final minute.
The spirited Stormers could at least take pride from their performance in adversity. This was supposed to be a home banker with John Dobson, the Stormers head coach, even admitting before kick-off he "felt bad" about picking a depleted team for the opening game of a supposedly prestigious competition. Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Joseph Dweba, Evan Roos and Warrick Gelant, among others, were all missing with the visitors due to host La Rochelle back in Cape Town this weekend.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 11, 2023-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 11, 2023-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
What is Rachel Reeves planning?
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career