Now just one day away from the kick-off of the 2022 Heineken Champions Cup, Europe’s best are itching to mix it up in club rugby’s biggest tournament.
Joining them for the first time ever are four major South African provinces lead by last season’s United Rugby Championship’s champions The Stormers.
All four of the South African sides pose a very different challenge to the European clubs this season as they look to prove they have the depth of quality to compete on two fronts for a long season.
Whilst the depth question remains, there’s no doubting the front-line quality the South African sides bring to the tournament.
Focusing back on the Stormers, if a ever a reminder was needed it was given in their highly entertaining battle with Welsh side the Dragons.
Emerging with a 32 – 24 victory, the Cape Townians didn’t have things all their own way but did prove once again to have another gear when it was needed most.
Central to their success over the past two seasons has been the emergence of flyhalf Manie Libbok who has risen through the ranks and is now in with a real chance of being a member of the Springboks 2023 World Cup squad.
A rock-solid goal kicker, Libbok also ticks the box as a brilliant attacking player whose combination with Damian Willemse gives the Stormers a dynamic duo in the 10/12 channel.
Now set for his first season in the European shop window, Libbok could well prove to be one of the most in demand playmakers when this season is over.
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