Stormers boss reveals the cost of maiden Champions Cup win

Stormers coach John Dobson admits the team's maiden Champions Cup win against London Irish came at a cost after Springbok Salmaan Moerat was taken off the field with a serious-looking injury.

The Cape Town side triumphed over the Exiles 34-14 in a game where they almost allowed a comeback from the visitors but ultimately scored a bonus point try with the clock in the red.

The Stormers are beginning to look slim in their second-row stocks with both Ernst van Rhyn and Adre Smith out injured prior to Saturday's clash, and now the important Moerat lengthens the list.

Dobson likened the second-row injury crisis to previous crises the Stormers, including at playmakers years ago.

"You will remember from Stormers days in the past, there always seemed to be a bad run in a certain position," Dobson said. "It was at flyhalf a few years ago when Demitri Catrakilis and Kurt Coleman were injured and then a bad scrumhalf run when Dylon Frylinck came in.

"Now it feels like it is some of our big forwards: Salmaan, Ernst and Adre. It was a good win, but it was a big price to pay."

There has been no further update on Moerat's situation, but the injury is serious as the star was removed from the field by a medical cart as he was completely unable to walk.

The Stormers turn its attention back to the United Rugby Championship, where a gruelling north-south derby against the Bulls awaits on Friday in Cape Town.

Bulls boss Jake White split his squad and rested several high-profile stars for the two Champions Cup fixtures to target the game against the defending champions making Friday's clash that much more enticing.

"Clearly they are focusing quite a lot on this game," Dobson said. "They remember what happened here a few months ago. There is no doubt what they are about.

"We are excited and we are fighters, no matter what the curveballs are from the injuries. That's what makes us the Stormers: we are resilient. We spoke about it during the week and we will stand up next week.

"It will be a great game for South African rugby. They are clearly focusing on this game. The ticket sales are going, so we are looking forward to it very much."