Stormers vow to stay true to their philosophy after Clermont loss

The Cape Town men started the game well before falling away in the second half as the French side made some astute tactical tweaks in their game to come from behind and win.

The weather in France was much colder than the United Rugby Championship holders are used to, with the temperature in and around zero during the clash.

However, despite the loss, Nel claims the Stormers are not going to change their style and will look to turn on their running game at Cape Town Stadium against London Irish this weekend.

"We are who we are - we are not going to change it up because of one loss. To have dropped two games in the last year is a stat worth celebrating for the Stormers team," Nel said.

"The conditions were something I've never experienced! When I woke up in the morning, there was snow on the ground. We are very fortunate to play in nice warm weather.

"When you look at our pass quality when we transition from defence into attack, it's normally so accurate to get the ball into the wider channels.

"Now we have to first catch and then make a decision all play a role in them shutting us down, and we had to chase the game... You will get one or two panicky decisions, and you make mistakes, so credit to Clermont. I definitely think conditions played a role."

Under coach John Dobson, the Stormers have become renowned for their free-running style and potent counter-attacks, some aspects the side shares with London Irish, making for a mouth-watering clash on Saturday.

"London Irish have a very expansive style and are not scared to give the ball air. So, we will have to be sharper in trying to cut them down in the first and second phases. Their lineouts are quite good, and they are able to launch really well," Nel said.

"They like to attack, just like us, so we must be wary of giving the ball away or kicking poorly to give them unnecessary turnover ball so that they can use that space.

"It will be nice to play against a team that also like to give the ball some air."