John Dobson fires back at critics as Stormers regain control at the top in URC

Despite what people say about them, the Stormers know they have refreshed themselves and shown the doubters that they are a proper rugby team after thrashing the Glasgow Warriors 48-12 in Cape Town.

Now that they are back at the top of the United Rugby Championship (URC), they want to head overseas to claim 10 points from their final two league matches to seal the No 1 spot on the points table.

According to John Dobson, director of rugby, to stay ahead of the chasing pack they need five points from their next encounter against Ulster at Kingspan Stadium. Benetton also did the Stormers a favour by beating Leinster on Saturday, so there is a bit of breathing room at the top.

“Last week’s defeat was really expensive in the sense that we didn’t get one or two points from it, so now we must get full points at Kingspan,” Dobson said.

“On the 4G pitches, there tend to be tries because of the speed of the game. The change in mindset of the team is amazing, and we are going for the points. Glasgow is a very good team, and we showed what we can do.”

Dobson also had a few words for people who came for his team following last weekend’s defeat. He admitted that they missed an opportunity for victory, but the attacks on his players were unwarranted.

“We got a lot of criticism for the Connacht performance, but to understand what this team was going through, or what Chippie meant to us and to this organisation … to expect those guys to perform normally. Listen, we messed it up.

“To read things like ‘the Stormers slide continues’. We went to Toulon, who are a really good team, and we lost through a decision that should not have taken place, through their own admission. Our manager died, and we played poorly under the circumstances.

“It’s just a lack of humanity in my mind, the pressure they were under. Netwerk24 published two letters this week about how I should step down. I don’t understand it. I don’t mind when it happens to me, but what I don’t understand is the players getting hammered like that. It is not humane, and I did not appreciate it.

“Chippie was such an integral part of our organisation, and to get slayed for that performance. I really feel for the players.”

While the URC will take a week’s break for the Champions Cup semi-finals taking place this coming weekend, the Stormers won’t be resting on their laurels. They will get a few days off, but it’s back to the training ground over the next week as they prepare for what awaits in Ireland and Cardiff.

Captain Ruhan Nel said they are at the sharp end of the competition and won’t be skipping any training days, especially with two Friday matches overseas.

“If you lie at home for a week, it won’t do you well. It will be a very short week when we restart, including that travel day, so we will be limited when we get to Ireland. We will be on the field for three days this week.

“Being on top of the log, and if that does not motivate you to secure a home quarter-final, then not much else will. There is a good energy in the squad and we are excited to build on it.”