VIDEO: Dobson - 'It felt like the old Stormers'
REACTION: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson was satisfied and relieved following his side’s 29-10 United Rugby Championship victory over the Lions.
Dobson admitted that self-doubt started to creep in following four consecutive defeats combined during the URC and Champions Cup.
Dobson: “It was all about getting the win,” Dobson said.
“Losing four [matches] in a row, it’s tough.
“You start to have self-doubts, but the most important thing was the win.
“It was hard work, give the Lions credit.
“They fought and stuck around after the red card.
“The games we lost in the last couple of weeks we probably played a bit better.
“I thought our [lack of] discipline put us under a bit of pressure in the second-half, but it’s all about the win.
“They’re a tenacious side, they’re fifth or sixth on the log so it’s a good win for us.” He added.
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The Stormers showed great determination on defence in the final 15 minutes of the match where the Lions were hammering away at their line, but managed to keep them at bay.
“That last bit felt like the old Stormers, that tenacious defensive effort.
“Then we finished with a bit of flair and pump.”
Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies made a crucial turnover 68th minute five meters from his own line after the Lions were hot on the attack.
Dobson praised his bravery and shed light on his team’s ability to win turnovers at the breakdown.
“We’ve actually become a really good contesting team, got to give him [Herschel Jantjies] a bit of credit.
“We’re one of the top two contesting sides in the URC.
“The best way to win a five metres maul is to win the ball.
“Herschel’s brave, him and Warrick [Gelant] are incredible.
“Now that Deon’s [Fourie] hopefully that stat will change but Warrick was our top stealer and Herschel was second.”
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Stormers hooker Joseph Dweba scored two tries off rolling mauls which has been a strike weapon for the Cape side this season.
Dobson was pleased with the set-piece success and felt it’s an important strike weapon for his side.
“We’ve gone away from our maul for a long time.
“Last season we struggled for a while.
“In the last game we got a maul try against Toulon.
“To get two maul tries is an important part of our culture.”
