Dobson Relieved After Stormers' Dramatic Victory Over Sharks
DHL Stormers director of rugby, John Dobson, was a mix of relief and joy following his team’s nail-biting 24-20 victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) derby at a packed DHL Stadium. The win not only boosted their campaign but also kept their season on track.
Dobson’s emotions were evident when he descended from the coaches' box in the game’s dying minutes with a somber expression. His team trailed by three points despite dominating for much of the match, and the thought of another defeat was daunting. “What was I thinking? I was thinking, here we go again, we’ve butchered it,” he admitted. However, his side managed a last-gasp win, turning his gloom into elation.
Game of Missed Opportunities
Reflecting on the match, Dobson likened the struggle to their previous narrow defeat to the Sharks in Durban, where errors had gifted their opponents vital points. “It did feel like Durban all over again. We made so many mistakes and made it hard for ourselves,” he said. The Sharks, though underdogs, fought valiantly and disrupted the Stormers’ game plan, particularly in defense.
Dobson acknowledged his team's inability to capitalize on opportunities, especially in the second half. “We opened them up quite well, but I thought we left a lot of points on the table,” he said. Despite the challenges, the win was crucial for the Stormers, who have now climbed the URC standings with back-to-back victories over the Sharks and the Emirates Lions.
Looking Ahead
The Stormers are now eyeing a strong finish to the season. With four wins in eight games, Dobson believes the team is “properly in the mix” for the URC playoffs. While tough away fixtures against Leinster and Ulster loom, Dobson remains optimistic, citing beatable opponents in upcoming home games.
The team also has two pivotal Investec Champions Cup matches against Sale Sharks and Racing 92 before their next URC clash. Dobson hinted at a full-strength squad for these fixtures, emphasizing the importance of their returning stars like Deon Fourie and the imminent return of Evan Roos.
Optimism Renewed
“This win makes a world of difference to us,” Dobson concluded. “We’ll take a week off now and come back refreshed. The beers on the break are going to taste so much better than if we had lost this game.” With renewed confidence and a healthier squad, the Stormers aim to make their mark in the critical stages of the season.
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