Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle suffer dramatic, last-gasp defeat to Stormers

The champions were denied at the death in Cape Town after a controversial referee decision. 

STRONG ARM: Leolin Zas of the DHL Stormers doesn’t get past Levani Botia of La Rochelle. Picture: INPHO/Steve Haag Sports/EJ Langner

Stormers 21 La Rochelle 20 

Champions Cup holders La Rochelle suffered an agonising defeat against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday - their second successive loss of the tournament.

A late La Rochelle try from Antoine Hastoy was ruled out for a high tackle. 

Joel Sclavi received a yellow card after a converted try was taken off the scoreboard.

Springbok star Manie Libbok then nailed a late conversion after Andre-Hugo Ventner’s try to put the Stormers ahead and earn the win.

The defeat comes a week after last Sunday’s home loss to La Rochelle's old rivals Leinster

With their European crown on the line, O'Gara's side next host Leicester Tigers on January 14 before a trip to Premiership highflyers Sale Sharks a week later.