'Happy' Stormers eye top spot

REACTION: The Stormers’ 25-22 win over the Sharks on Saturday was accompanied by a massive sigh of relief.

It was the Stormers second consecutive away win, after having lost their first two matches to the Sharks and Bulls – both at home.

The result also saw them overtake the Sharks at second place in the standings.

The Sharks dominated possession and territory for much of the first half, however similar to last weekend against the Bulls, they failed to translate those advantages into clear cut scoring opportunities.

Ultimately, the Stormers managed to produce a clinical second-half showing which saw them take the win.

#ICYMI: Replacement No.10 Tim Swiel landed a penalty three minutes from time to secure @THESTORMERS a crucial second win#Rugby #rugbyunion @PRO14Official
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“The way we dominated territory was really good, we had some really good plan for this game and in terms of territory we got that right,” Stormers coach John Dobson told reporters following the match in Durban.

“Our first half was the worst of our campaign in terms of energy and intensity however the way we performed in the second half was clinical and I think we left a few points out there,

Saturday’s result has left the Stormers coach Dobson really upbeat about his team’s chances of finishing top of the Rainbow Cup SA.

However, the mentor knows it will not be easy as his side face the table-topping Bulls in Pretoria after this weekend’s bye.

The Bulls are currently leading the log with 15 points, while Stormers and Sharks are both on 11 with two round of fixture remaining.

When quizzed about the Capetonians final hopes, Dobson explained: “We going to go for it, however, it is not in our hands.

“We have a massive game in two weeks’ time against the Bulls at Loftus and if we manage to do something special then we will be really well positioned.

“The change room is happy and excited.

“Think if we lost the match against the Lions last week, we would’ve had some serious doubt, however, we are now slightly more comfortable after the win against the Sharks,”

The Rainbow Cup SA goes on a break for a week, while the Springboks will be away at their alignment camps in preparations for the Test season.

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