'Half-pace' Stormers expect cracker
SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Strap yourself in for blue-chip showdown that may well prove to be the conference decider.
This is the view of Stormers coach John Dobson, ahead of his team’s Round Four encounter with last year’s beaten finalists, the Jaguares, at Newlands this coming Saturday.
Dobson, speaking after his team had ‘burgled’ an 84th-minute win (33-30) over the Lions in a high-paced and entertaining fixture at Ellis Park at the weekend, suggested that his team is not functioning at an optimal level.
Leading 26-15 with just over 10 minutes to go, the Stormers looked a sure bet for the win.
Two sensational tries – by captain Elton Jantjies and Dan Kriel – and a penalty by Jantjies saw the Lions take a 30-26 lead with less than two minutes on the clock.
But a well-crafted multi-phase try, scored by Sevens Springbok Ruhan Nel, saw the Stormers edge the all-South African derby in sensational fashion.
Dobson praised the “character” of his team to hang in there when the game seemed a lost cause.
“It was agony,” he said of the Lions’ amazing comeback.
He spoke about the record of the Lions at home, who always seem to get stronger towards the end of games at the Highveld
“My frustration was that at 26-15 we had quite a few opportunities in their 22 and we didn’t convert,” he said.
“It is two weeks in a row that we haven’t really shown our attack. I know we scored a few tries, but there was no sustained attack.
“I don’t think we are operating at half our capacity, which is frustrating.
“The good thing is the character we are showing
“I just want to see us play more rugby.
“Being three [wins] from three [starts], while not firing [on all our cylinders] is good.”
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Dobson expects a huge physical battle from the Jaguares next week, which should make for Test match intensity at Newlands.
“The Jaguares are a very physical side,” the Stormers coach said, adding: “I think they are a slightly different side to what they were last year – with a few personnel changes.
“Newlands is a different environment that this [Ellis Park]. You don’t quite get the same speed.
“[However,] we should not be scared of [a high-] tempo [game], given [the quality] of our personnel.
“Look at that last try – that is how we are capable of playing.
“Against the Jaguares, we want to go back to our traditional game – with our forwards carrying nicely and hopefully creating more space for our backs.”
He said the Newlands encounter has all the ingredients of a classic showdown.
“They are touted to be the conference winners, so it should be an absolute cracker at Newlands and we are going to play nicer rugby than we have over the last few weeks,” Dobson added.
@rugby365com
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