Stormers have some issues ahead of URC Final
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson said he was frustrated with his team’s performance in their United Rugby Championship semifinal against Ulster in Cape Town on Saturday.
The Capetonians edged the Irish side 17-15 at Cape Town Stadium with a dramatic converted try in overtime on Saturday.
The hosts were also reduced to 14 men late in the game after lock Adre Smith received a red card for eye-gouging.
The result booked them a home final against the Bulls, who put in a dominant performance to beat Leinster 27-26 in the weekend’s other semifinal.
However, Dobson knows that his team will have to be more clinical in all areas of the game if they are to beat Jake White’s side.
“It was a frustrating performance,” said Dobson.
“Our discipline was poor, which was not only in terms of the unsatisfactory experience with the referee, but also just in terms of how we didn’t stick with the plan.
“It was a poor performance and we dropped a lot of balls.
“However, to come back and dominate with 14 men on the field against a team like Ulster was very special.
“There are some learnings from the game and we will focus on that this week.”
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A few positives
Despite his team’s overall performance, Dobson did have some positives to talk about.
“We were loose with the ball and we were loose with the kicking, but there were some really pleasing elements,” the coach added.
“To lose only one line-out against a team that has [Iain] Henderson in it is special, especially in a high-pressure environment.
“We stopped the best maul in Europe for a bit, but the general looseness of our game has to be looked at for next week.”
Meanwhile, Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff praised his team’s character after they were reduced to 14 men late in the game.
“I think it’s a tough one on Adre [Smith],” said Kitshoff.
“The law is the law, but I don’t think there was any intentional foul play from his side.
“The team showed brilliant character in the last 10 minutes.
“The guys realised what is at stake and somehow they got the energy and the motivation to play for an extra 15 minutes with 14 guys and come away with the win, so I am extremely proud.”
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