The former England wing had a tough start in French rugby but is now a game away from a Top 14 final.
The Stormers recorded their first Champions Cup win of the season, beating Stade Rochelais in Cape Town on Saturday.
La Rochelle winger Dillyn Leyds has opened up on what has given the back-to-back European champions the edge in the last few seasons, citing man management as a crucially important factor.
French rugby is on the crest of a wave and they know they can afford to take an understrength squad to Japan and rest their biggest names
It was a case of so near yet so far for Les Bleuson Wednesday night as they came within literal seconds of a first win over the Wallabies on Australian soil since 1990.
Exeter Chiefs and Racing 92 served up a match of thrilling intensity with the Devonians worthy champs
Referee Nigel Owens has been widely praised for cracking down on Racing 92 for the practice of caterpillar rucking, a tactic that's infuriated fans.
