Stormers v Toulon: John Dobson eyes 'Milky Way' miracle in Champions Cup clash
CHAMPIONS CUP
Stormers captain Ruhan Nel knows that silencing the Toulon 'glitterati' starts with communication and discipline. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
John Dobson says his Stormers team requires the stars to align in the Milky Way if they are to beat Toulon away on Saturday, but they will nevertheless “give it a full go” in the Champions Cup.
Dobson’s men are second only to the Glasgow Warriors on the United Rugby Championship standings, and he is maybe guilty of talking up a Toulon side that are 11th in the Top 14 and have won just nine of their 20 games played in that tournament.
“We want to respect this competition, and we want to go as far as we can,” he said. “No South African team has made a semi-final, so that’s something we’re very aware of.”
The Stormers are coming off a good win over Edinburgh and have better squad depth than last season.
“A couple of years ago, we probably wouldn’t have had the capacity,” Dobson said. “Now, despite some injuries, I feel like we’ve got a bit more ability to go full-out for this.”
“It’s a really good Toulon team, something of a glitterati,” he enthused.
“They’ve got a strong scrum, and they’re very fast. Their speed across the park caught us when we played them before. But travelling to the south of France will be a wonderful experience for us.
"It’ll be a part of our growth. We’ll give it a full crack.”
The match Dobson is referring to is the December 2024 defeat to Toulon in Gqeberha.
“What will it take us to win? Venus to align with Uranus and Saturn!” Dobson laughed. “But seriously, our set-piece will be crucial.
"We pride ourselves on our scrum, but they have one of the best in France. I don’t think we’re going to grind them down with their pack that size.
"They win every scrum battle. I think they’re No 2 in France. We are going to have to spin and win.
“The contestable kicking game could also be an area we can use. But we’re going to have to get into that transition to play with a bit of freedom.”
Stormers captain Ruhan Nel added: “I spoke to the referees and they said it’s quite an experience to play Toulon.
"Even playing them in the Eastern Cape a couple of years ago, it was a special occasion for us to face a French team of that magnitude. To have them now in front of their home crowd is going to be special.”