“We Won’t Let You Down!” — Dobson

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson insists the United Rugby Championship playoffs offer a complete reset as his side prepares for a crucial quarterfinal clash against Cardiff at the DHL Stadium, following their recent regular-season defeat to the Welsh outfit.

After a disappointing result in their previous meeting with the Welsh side in Cardiff, the Stormers now have an immediate opportunity for redemption in Cape Town, with Dobson urging his players and supporters to rally together for what he expects will be an intense knockout clash.

Dobson spoke with the intensity of a man who fully understands what is at stake. As the Stormers set their sights on replicating their historic 2021/22 triumph in the inaugural United Rugby Championship, he knows every remaining fixture must be approached like a cup final.

“With playoff rugby, we’re starting fresh,” said Dobson.

“That’s three games in a row that we have to win. We absolutely have to win this game against Cardiff.”

The Stormers mentor acknowledged the disappointment of the past week but stressed that success in playoff rugby would come down to discipline, hard work, and defensive intensity rather than emotion.

“As Deon (Fourie) says, it’s not won by magic. It’s won by things like defence, work ethic, and attention to detail, which is what we’re working on now.”

Dobson admitted the defeat to Cardiff still stings, but believes the opportunity to face the same opposition again so soon gives his side extra motivation.

“It’s a tough week after what happened, but playing in front of our amazing supporters gives us a massive opportunity to make a statement and put things right,” he said.

“I cannot wait to play them in Cape Town, to play them on grass, and to set the record straight.

“It’s not often that you get another chance against the same team within two weeks.”

The Stormers have also been boosted by the return of several key players ahead of the quarterfinal, including captain Ruhan Nel and Springbok speedster Seabelo Senatla.

“Having Ruhan back as captain and leading the defence is massive,” said Dobson.

“We’ve missed Seabelo Senatla all season. He gets people out of their seats, and he’ll be back for the quarterfinal, along with one or two others.

“To have five or six guys returning and allowing us to select close to our strongest team, despite the long-term absentees like Cobus Reinach, will be fantastic.”

Dobson also praised the connection between the team and its supporters, highlighting the atmosphere created at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium throughout the season.

“We love the vibe we get at the stadium now and the interaction with our fans,” he said.

“The presence, the bus, after the games — everything. When the team feels that support, they play better, and when we play better, the fans enjoy it more.”

With the Stormers aiming to make a deep run in the competition, Dobson called on supporters to turn out in full force for the knockout encounter.

“I ask the people to come out because it will be one hell of a game,” he said.

“It’s knockout rugby for the Stormers. We believe we have a group that can go very far in this competition, and if results go our way, we can host more playoff rugby in Cape Town.

“Please help us get through this one. We won’t let you down.”