Dobson: 'We are overhyped'
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach John Dobson is expecting an “epic” clash against the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday.
The Round Four encounter between two pre-tournament favourites may go a long way between deciding the South African conference.
However, Dobson was at pains to stress that – despite his team’s winning start to the season – they have been nowhere near the standards they have set for themselves.
“It’s a very big game for us – in terms of the conference, in terms of our pride,” Dobson told a media briefing, as they stepped up preparations ahead of the arrival of the Jaguares.
“We are probably a little overhyped,” the Stormers coach said, adding: “We got two wins at home [27-0 over the Hurricanes and 13-0 over the Bulls] and a jammy win away,” he said of this past weekend’s injury-time squeaker (33-30) against the Lions.
The Stormers coach said they will be working hard on their “ball security” this week, as it remains one of their main concerns.
“We are just not getting through enough phases.
“That is a big thing for us. Even at training, it [lack of ball security] is frustrating me a little bit.”
Dobson said there have been flashes of how good his team can be the first three weeks.
BlitzBok Ruhan Nel’s last-gasp try at Ellis Park at the weekend was the result of a rare period of sustained phase-play.
“How we scored that last try [84th-minute against the Lions] is almost how we want to play,” the coach said.
“But doing it once in 220 minutes of rugby is not enough. So, we’re working very hard on our attack.”
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He added that he is expecting a massive physical onslaught from the Argentinean visitor.
“They are direct and if they get momentum, they’ve got some really big players to take the inside balls – with the swing-runners and a couple of really good carriers.
“It will be a physical battle with the Jaguares, there’s no question.”
While his team showed great character in coming from behind at the weekend and at stages in the first two home games, he said he was the Stormers to “move beyond character” at some stage.
“Defence is character,” he said about keeping the opposition scoreless in the first two matches, adding: “Scoring that [last-minute] try [at Ellis Park] is character.
“But we’re overhyped in terms of our processes and how we’re playing at the moment.
“It’s not on standard. I think this team is capable of better and hopefully, Saturday is the start of that journey.”
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