Dobson Treats Historic Clash As Full-Scale Test Match

The DHL Stormers are treating Friday night’s blockbuster clash against the All Blacks with the intensity of a Test match, with director of rugby John Dobson insisting his side is determined to make history rather than simply use the encounter as a pre-season exercise.

While the fixture initially presented unique challenges to the Stormers’ preparations, Dobson believes its significance has grown steadily as kick-off has approached.

“It’s just any other game,” Dobson joked, before acknowledging the excitement surrounding the occasion.

“The players want to play, and the magnitude of the game has grown bigger and bigger.”

The unusual timing of the fixture forced the Stormers to rethink their traditional pre-season schedule, balancing preparations for the high-profile encounter with the demands of the upcoming United Rugby Championship campaign.

“When the fixture first came out, you think perhaps it’s the wrong time because it will impact your pre-season. Do you rest and protect certain guys? We never run a pre-season like this, so we’ve had to split our preparations into the three or four weeks leading up to this game. We’ve given the team a week off afterwards, and then we’ll begin a more traditional, shortened pre-season,” Dobson explained.

Following their physically dominant performance against Leinster in last season’s URC semi-final, Dobson believes the Stormers must once again rely on their traditional strengths if they are to challenge one of world rugby’s most formidable teams.

“We have to engage them in that manner. We need to focus on our set piece and our physicality. That’s what we’re good at and what’s in our DNA. We can’t turn this into a game of basketball. That’s not going to be our plan,” he said.

One of the major talking points ahead of the match is the selection of exciting young flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, who is preparing for one of the biggest tests of his rapidly developing career.

Dobson revealed the coaching staff have been impressed by how quickly the youngster has adapted to senior rugby.

“We would not have recruited him if he wasn’t already on our radar. He has come through a lot faster than we expected. He has done so well at SA Under-20 level with the exposure he’s had.”

Without placing undue pressure on the talented playmaker, Dobson admitted Ahmed’s rapid rise has reminded him of another Stormers star.

“You don’t want to make comparisons, but he reminds me of Sacha coming through a few years ago. He has the same commitment, composure and excitement. He has pleasantly surprised us, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for him.

“We have faith in him, and he is special.”

Stormers captain Ruhan Nel echoed his coach’s sentiments, dismissing any suggestion that the match should be viewed as little more than a pre-season hit-out.

“I don’t think anybody has the mindset or illusion that it’s going to be a hit-out,” said Nel.

Drawing inspiration from Western Province’s famous victory over the All Blacks 50 years ago, Nel said the current squad is eager to create its own place in the history books.

Trailing 11-0 with less than 20 minutes remaining, Western Province fought back through tries from Bossie Clarke and Chris Pope before Robbie Blair slotted a touchline conversion to seal a famous 12-11 victory.

“Everyone has been talking about the Western Province team that won 50 years ago, and we want to be part of that history as well.

“We want to write our own page in the history of this franchise, and we’re not going to do that by approaching this game as a hit-out,” Nel added.

The Stormers captain also expects an All Blacks side with plenty to prove as players compete for future Test opportunities.

“They will also be playing for Test spots.”

Despite acknowledging the occasion’s spectacle—including the national anthems and the haka—Dobson made it clear the Stormers’ focus remains firmly on executing their game plan.

“We’ve got a clear plan for how we want to play. We want to put their skill set under pressure.”

While he joked the contest may not be remembered for free-flowing rugby, Dobson expects a fiercely contested battle worthy of two proud rugby institutions.

“It may not be nominated for an Emmy for the most entertaining game, but it’s a Friday night, the anthems will be sung, there’ll be a haka, and, from our perspective, it’s a Test match.”