We Had To Weather The Storm – Dobson Reflects On Hard-Fought Lions Victory

Stormers coach John Dobson cut a relieved figure after his side extended their unbeaten run to nine matches across all competitions with a hard-fought victory over the Lions on Saturday. 

The Stormers were immediately placed under pressure, particularly at the start of the match. Dobson admitted that his side struggled to gain early control.

“We messed up two kick-offs. Physically, they were on top of us for a large portion of the game,” Dobson said. “We knew we had to weather the storm, but I never expected them to get so many yards so easily on attack.”

Despite eventually building a 14-point lead, the Stormers failed to close the game out in the efficient manner they have become known for.

“The overriding disappointment is how we didn’t close that game out,” bemoaned Dobson.

“To get 14 clear and then overplay in the middle of the field was the most frustrating thing,” Dobson added. “We’ve been so good at closing out games, and that was the poor thing in the game.”

Defensively, however, the Stormers once again showed why they boast the best defensive record in the competition. The Lions dominated territory and possession for long spells in the first half and looked more like the home side, yet struggled to fully capitalise.

“They were very good and unlucky not to be in more of a lead at halftime,” Dobson admitted.

“To my mind, it was a poor performance. The defence in the last minute bailed us out when Evan (Roos) got the steal. They were unlucky not to at least get a draw.”

The Stormers’ ability to absorb pressure and find a way to win has become a hallmark of their season. Even when second best, they continue to claw their way back from the brink – a testament to the team’s character.

“In the first half, we were under so much pressure and got back to 10-10,” said Dobson. 

“These guys tackle for one another. At no stage did we feel we’d get rolled over.”

Captain Salmaan Moerat highlighted the collective nature of the squad, pointing to a workmanlike ethos rather than reliance on star power.

“Besides, perhaps Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Willemse, the side does not have many big names,” said Moerat. “It’s a bunch of guys that are willing to work for each other and do the ugly things.”

One such player is Paul de Villiers, who claimed his third consecutive man-of-the-match award. A ferocious presence at the breakdown, de Villiers was clearly targeted by the Lions, who attempted to keep the ball alive rather than engage him on the ground.

Dobson praised the flanker’s impact while acknowledging the absence of Deon Fourie, whom he hopes to pair with de Villiers once he returns.

“He’s special – we knew he was special, but I didn’t expect it to be quite like this,” Dobson said. 

“You could see the Lions wanting to avoid him. We miss Brannas, but it’s great having someone take over from him. We’re asking a lot of Paul at the moment. If we can have two like that who can steal it, it will be great. Paul has bailed us out a lot this year.”

There was further cause for celebration when a major announcement was made at halftime, confirming that star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has extended his stay with the Stormers until 2029, fending off strong interest from overseas suitors.

“I didn’t see it at halftime, but he is vital for this franchise,” Dobson said.

“It helped that Sacha wants to be here, with some assistance from third parties. I don’t think we would’ve lost him based on what he stands for and how he plays, but we wouldn’t be taken seriously if we didn’t keep a player like him.”

Dobson added that securing Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s future was a key pillar of the Stormers’ long-term vision.

“It took a lot of work, but it’s hugely important to Project 2029,” Dobson mentioned.

After a week off, the Stormers return to action on 3 January when they host arch-rivals the Vodacom Bulls at DHL Stadium to kick off 2026.