John Dobson banking on home support as Stormers face Cardiff quarter-final test
Imad Khan during the captain’s run at DHL Stadium in Cape Town ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final clash against Cardiff Rugby on Saturday.
Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers
More than 30 000 supporters are expected to flock to DHL Stadium Saturday when the Stormers host Cardiff in what could be their final home game of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season.
There is, of course, still an outside chance that the Cape side could host a semi-final in two weeks’ time, but they must first beat their Welsh opposition before hoping for a Lions miracle against Leinster on Saturday evening.
However, the inaugural URC winners are relishing the prospect of playing in front of The Faithful, as their supporters are affectionately known, and producing the kind of performance that will be spoken about for some time. They have delivered mixed performances throughout the season, but are determined to sign off with a bang should this prove to be the final home match of the campaign.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers
“They had the benefit of their crowd the last time we played, so hopefully our crowd can come and help us,” director of rugby John Dobson said on Friday.
“We lost to them two weeks ago, so this will be a proper game of rugby. After the way our season has gone, we need to still be alive next week (for the semi-final). The more support we get here, the better. Their crowd made a difference in the last game.
“It’s a credit to Cardiff, and to the fact that we did lose, that we are getting 30 000 people for a team that is perhaps not that well known here. Leinster and Munster are big names here.”
DHL Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat.
Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers
Action starts at 3.30pm, but the stadium gates will open at 12.30pm, with the first free MyCiTi bus for valid ticket holders departing from the Civic Centre, CTICC and Thibault Square stations at 12pm. A full day of entertainment is planned inside the precinct.
The quarter-final between the Bulls and Munster (1pm) will be shown on a big screen in the stadium precinct, while the Love Garden area and Clover Kids Zone will be open from the start. However, the Stormers bus arrives at 2.10pm, and supporters will have the opportunity to welcome the team into the stadium on Fritz Sonnenberg Road, opposite the athletics track.
After the match, a Red Bull DJ set at the Love Garden will keep the party going, while an 80s video set near the Mouille Point gate will bring the day to an end.
Various roads around the stadium will be closed, and supporters are urged to park in the CBD and make use of the free shuttle service. The last free bus back to the CBD will depart the Stadium station at 7.30pm.