Stormers coach John Dobson praised his side’s resilience and squad depth after claiming a priceless 26-17 Investec Champions Cup win over Bayonne.
Dobson was thrilled with how an inexperienced match-day group fronted up in one of Europe’s most intimidating cauldrons, while playing much of the second half with 14 men.
“The first half was great – tactically really good,” he said. “They started really fast and put us under pressure, but we defended very, very well.
“For a lot of these guys, this was massive. Tuks [Ntuthuko Mchunu], Neethling Fouche, Boepa [Lukhanyo Vokozela], Connor Evans, Salmaan Moerat, who is still coming back [from injury], Ruan Ackermann, Imad Khan, Johnny Roche, Clinton Swart – they haven’t had much rugby. For them to play like that in a venue like this is amazing.”
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Dobson said the performance underlined the rapid growth of the Stormers’ wider squad.
“We’ve been building this group the whole time. You could name a Stormers XV that didn’t play tonight – Damian Willemse, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jurie Matthee, Cobus Reinach, Stefan Ungerer, Oli Kebble, Vernon Matongo, Frans Malherbe, Zach Porthen, who is a Springbok, Ruben van Heerden, Deon Fourie, Louw Nel, Keke Morabe, the list goes on. It’s a really strong group, and nights like this show it.”
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The coach was, however, frustrated by the discipline lapses that allowed Bayonne back into the contest after Adré Smith’s red card for stamping.
“We got ourselves into trouble,” Dobson said. “That red card cost us, and our discipline was poor for the second week in a row. Sometimes, with ball in hand, we do things that put us under pressure. But the way we came off the canvas and won – that’s special.”
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Trailing for the first time late in the game, the Stormers’ scrum and forward pack took charge to close out the victory.
“These have been tough places we’ve played – Benetton hadn’t lost at home for a year, Bayonne have lost one game here in three years, Munster hardly ever lose at Thomond Park,” Dobson said referring to their Vodacom URC wins this season. “All good experiences. But we can’t wait to play some Stormers rugby in front of our people next week.”
The Stormers host La Rochelle in Gqeberha next Saturday, knowing another win will put them firmly on track for the Champions Cup playoffs.
Photo: Dave Winter/INPHO
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