In a thrilling Investec Champions Cup opener, the Leicester Tigers clawed their way to a 35-26 victory over the South African side Stormers. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring impressive performances and dramatic twists.
Stormers Start Strong
The first half saw a shadow Stormers side surprising everyone by taking a 17-10 lead at halftime. Solomone Kata scored for Leicester, but Keke Morabe and Courtnall Skosan crossed the try line for the visitors. The Stormers, despite leaving many of their first-team players at home, played superbly in the initial 40 minutes and deservedly led.
Pollard’s Heroics
Enter Handre Pollard, who stepped up when Leicester needed him the most. Pollard, known for famously kicking South Africa to World Cup glory, scored an impressive 20 points in this match. His accuracy and composure were on full display as he orchestrated Leicester’s comeback.
The second half belonged to the Tigers as Kata, Pollard, and Josh Bassett added tries to their tally, securing a crucial bonus-point win for the home team. Ten unanswered points in the first ten minutes of the half turned the tide in Leicester’s favor. Pollard’s try, while the Stormers were down to 14 players, further solidified their lead.
Stormers Fight Till the End
Credit must be given to the Stormers, who put up a valiant fight with their second-string XV. Jurie Matthee, making his debut, was flawless, nailing penalties and even adding a spectacular long-range drop goal in the second half. The Stormers made the most of their opportunities, capitalizing on handling errors from Leicester and finishing their chances with clinical precision.
A Late Twist
As the match neared its conclusion, a yellow card shown to replacement Lee-Marvin Mazibuko opened the door for Pollard to score once more. However, Stormers were relentless in their pursuit of a try, and it seemed like they might still turn the tide. But in the final moments, Josh Bassett dashed their hopes by scoring in the corner, securing a vital bonus point for Leicester.
Looking Ahead
This victory is crucial for Leicester as they face tough challenges in Pool D, including trips to Stade Francais and La Rochelle before finishing the group stage against four-time winners Leinster. Coach Dan McKellar will be pleased with his team’s response, especially after a scrappy first-half performance in challenging weather conditions.
In conclusion, the Leicester Tigers’ dramatic win against the Stormers in the Investec Champions Cup opener showcased the resilience and determination of both teams. Handre Pollard’s heroics and a late twist provided plenty of excitement for rugby fans, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Handre Pollard
Q: Who scored the crucial points for the Leicester Tigers in the match against the Stormers?
A: Handre Pollard was the star of the show, scoring 20 points for the Leicester Tigers, including a pivotal try, in their victory over the Stormers.
Q: How did the Stormers perform in the match despite leaving some key players at home?
A: The Stormers, despite fielding a second-string XV and leaving key players at home, played exceptionally well, forcing handling errors from Leicester and finishing their chances clinically.
Q: What was the turning point in the match for the Leicester Tigers?
A: The turning point came in the second half when Leicester scored ten unanswered points in the first ten minutes, shifting the momentum in their favor.
Q: Who secured the vital bonus point for the Leicester Tigers in the closing seconds of the match?
A: Josh Bassett sealed the victory for the Leicester Tigers by scoring in the corner in the final seconds, securing a vital bonus point.
Q: What challenges lie ahead for the Leicester Tigers in the Investec Champions Cup?
A: Leicester faces tough challenges in Pool D, including matches against Stade Francais and La Rochelle, before finishing the group stage against four-time winners Leinster.
More about Handre Pollard
- Leicester Tigers Official Website
- Stormers Official Website
- Investec Champions Cup Official Website
- Handre Pollard’s Profile
- [Rugby Union Daily Podcast](Link not provided)
3 comments
pollard was on fire, stormers fought hard, tigers roared back, what a match!
gr8 win 4 tigers, leinster better watch out, Pollard = legend.
Matthee’s drop goal woz epic, stormers surprised, gud read on the match.