Dobson Blasts ‘Disappointing’ URC Defeat

DHL Stormers director of rugby John Dobson cut a frustrated figure after his side’s defeat to Cardiff Rugby on Friday, delivering a blunt assessment of a performance he felt fell short in key moments against an energised home side.

“Very disappointing performance,” Dobson said.

“We have to give credit to Cardiff; they were desperate. I’m sorry that their desperation meant more to them than our opportunity to host a series of play-offs in Cape Town. Their attack was very good and put us under pressure defensively. They gained metres against us, and it was a clever attacking display.”

Dobson pointed to missed opportunities and repeated errors in crucial areas of the field, particularly close to the try line.

“We had periods of dominance that we probably wasted, and that was similar to last week. Failing to convert when we are five metres out is a problem. The fact that we didn’t show a change in behaviour there is concerning for us.”

With the result marking a setback at an important stage of the season, he acknowledged the timing of the defeat but insisted the squad must respond quickly.

“We are going to have to regroup. It’s our first URC away loss this year outside South Africa, and it has come at the wrong time. We know what this group is capable of, and we will rebuild and regroup quickly.”

Despite Andre-Hugo Venter leaving the field early, there was some reassurance on the injury front, with Dobson confirming the squad had emerged largely intact from the contest.

“There are no serious injury concerns. We are a bruised team and were beaten by the better side on the night.”

Looking ahead to the knockout phase, the Stormers will host the same Welsh side in the quarter-final. Dobson made it clear what standard will be required if the Stormers are to progress further in the competition.

“We will have to be much better than this in the quarter-final,” he said.