Dobson Fumes As Controversial Calls Deny Stormers

DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has delivered a scathing assessment of the officiating decisions that denied his side a historic victory at one of rugby’s “great cathedrals.”

While lamenting several crucial calls that went against the Cape side, Dobson found immense encouragement in the squad’s effort and the tactical precision with which they executed their game plan in a gut-wrenching 28-27 loss against the French giants.

“I was very impressed with the fight,” said Dobson. “We should not have been in the position where we needed to score twice with eight minutes to go.”

While the Stormers’ fringe defence was watertight and they did well to repel the forwards, they were exposed on several occasions when the French side moved the ball wide and attacked with width.

“We could have been more accurate around some of our spacing on defence, but we defended really well with heart and physicality. You could see Toulon visibly tired. We had some great defensive sets,” he said. 

Dobson acknowledged that other facets of the game brought about positives and gave him massive encouragement.  

“The plan and the kicking strategy, the use of the bench all went according to plan.”

“I was happy with the calmness on the field and the fight,” he enthused. 

The Stormers enjoyed strong performances in back-to-back away games to Munster and Bayonne, and despite this defeat, Dobson reiterated his pride in what the side has achieved away from home. 

“We take a lot of confidence from what we have done in Munster and Bayonne and how we have done on the road. This is one of the cathedrals of rugby. We just came up a little short, literally and figuratively.”

The game was not short of drama, as the conclusion left fans on the edge of their seats with many voicing their frustration at the controversial climax to the game. 

After a series of infringements, a cynical Toulon foul at the maul led to a yellow card, but it was the failure to award a penalty try that proved most baffling. 

“We have to adapt to some of the EPCR interpretations. In the URC, which is our day job, if you run into the line like that and the maul then gets pulled down, it’s a penalty try,” bemoaned Dobson. 

Further controversy followed when Ntuthuko Mchunu appeared to brush the white-wash as he attempted to cross the line, only for the TMO to rule that he lost control of the ball when the grounding attempt was made. 

The major talking point was left for the final play of the game, when lock Adre Smith executed a pick-and-go to drive over the line but was adjudged to have fallen short, despite an infringement by a Toulon player on the try line. 

“We were frustrated at the end there. Once it goes to the TMO, maybe he can’t see the ball grounding, and the on-field decision for some reason was no try.”

“What was frustrating for the players and us was that (Charles) Ollivan is clearly inside the field of play, on the ground, before we actually do get the ball. I believe Adre (Smith) got it down, but I don’t understand why it wasn’t awarded,” Dobson explained. 

“A very frustrating way for the game to end.”

Despite the overwhelming disappointment, Dobson remained proud of his side, given the atmosphere and the venue. He offered a frank assessment of the performance while also crediting the French giants.

“There is no doubt the Stormers travel well, fight well, we have a really good plan and can fight in the cathedrals of rugby,” he said. 

“Now we’ll focus on the URC. We would have loved to have won this game, but we weren’t quite good enough in a couple of areas.

“We must give credit to Toulon. They’re a great team with a great atmosphere and a great experience. Our players must not lose heart. This was a good performance.”