Loss will not define Stormers says Dobson
REACTION: John Dobson says his team is much better than what they dished up against Glasgow in their 9-20 loss in the United Rugby Championship at Scotstoun on Friday evening.
A Sione Tuipulotu score and then two from Johnny Matthews gave Franco Smith’s side a 20-9 half-time lead, their situation helped by Stormers having two men sin-binned in quick succession.
The South Africans poured on the pressure once restored to full strength but could not break down a resolute Glasgow defence that held firm to claim a statement victory against the team that reached the last two URC finals.
Speaking afterward the Stormers head coach did not hide his disappointment.
“It’s a very tough tour. Our main message after the game is that this is not going to define our tour. We had an objective for this tour about a certain amount of points, we must try and win every single game on tour now.
“Very disappointed not to get the bonus point. It could’ve been 16-20 and then we were on top of them. We know that we are better than tonights’ performance, especially in the set-piece and we will be up for it next week,” Dobson said.
“We didn’t expect to go four out of four on tour, we’d like to. Glasgow, since their play-offs last year, they haven’t lost a lot of games at Scotstoun.
“The point is, more disappointed in the outcome, we thought we could get a bit closer.
“We are not questioning ourselves, it’s actually quick fixes.
“We had no ball possession in the first half, and ended it with 13 players. We produced an energised and physical performance, but it was poor discipline and set-piece work.
“Energy-wise we were there. I told the team afterwards I cannot fault their energy. But I’m a little bit frustrated around the set-piece issues.”
“Not a great game of rugby, no points in the second half. I think we had that second half pretty much in control. We even defended that classic Stormers defence towards the end. A couple of big calls and too many mistakes.
“But I though the second half showed a bit more of what we are about. I thought we managed, thirteen men not to concede a point, pretty special.
The Stormers face Benetton in Treviso next week.
