When the Stormers faced off against an understrength La Rochelle in the latest round of the Investec Champions Cup, it seemed like a walk in the park at first. However, Coach John Dobson revealed that the game wasn't as smooth as the 42-21 scoreline might suggest. Despite La Rochelle fielding a team brimming with eager academy players at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, the Stormers’ initial dominance waned as the match progressed.
“It was about the outcome in the end, but it wasn’t a great process from us,” Dobson confessed. He pointed out that despite discussing certain strategies during the week, execution was lacking. “There’s definitely stuff we didn’t get right,” he admitted, signaling a need for tightening up before their upcoming local derbies in the Vodacom URC. Yet, securing a home win was still seen as essential.
“We started with great energy and intensity, and then it felt like it became too easy,”
Dobson remarked, explaining the shift in momentum during the game’s middle phase. The Stormers' initial flurry included two quick tries (and two disallowed ones), but soon after, a series of errors and infringements allowed La Rochelle to claw their way back into the game, narrowing the gap to 16-7 by halftime.
Stormers’ captain Salmaan Moerat noted the team’s robust start but acknowledged the pack’s performance could have been sharper. “As a pack we know we could have been much better. There’s still a lot for us to improve on,” he stated, also highlighting the team’s cohesion after prop Neethling Fouché received a yellow card. “It’s never ideal to get a yellow card, but what was really rewarding was seeing how the group galvanised and worked harder for each other when someone was off the field.”
Dobson also praised Paul de Villiers, the Man of the Match, for his exceptional play. “Paul is very, very special. Two years ago he was getting cleaned out all the time, and now he’s like a limpet. His decision-making is outstanding, and it’s great to see how he’s grown,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dobson remains optimistic about the Stormers' prospects in Europe. “South African teams don’t have a great record in it, and we feel we’ve got an opportunity,” he noted, adding that performances like this bolster the team's belief and dreams of advancing deeper into the tournament than before.
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When the Stormers faced off against an understrength La Rochelle in the latest round of the Investec Champions Cup, it seemed like a walk in the park at first. However, Coach John Dobson revealed that the game wasn't as smooth as the 42-21 scoreline might suggest. Despite La Rochelle fielding a team brimming with eager academy players at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, the Stormers’ initial dominance waned as the match progressed.
“It was about the outcome in the end, but it wasn’t a great process from us,” Dobson confessed. He pointed out that despite discussing certain strategies during the week, execution was lacking. “There’s definitely stuff we didn’t get right,” he admitted, signaling a need for tightening up before their upcoming local derbies in the Vodacom URC. Yet, securing a home win was still seen as essential.
“We started with great energy and intensity, and then it felt like it became too easy,”
Dobson remarked, explaining the shift in momentum during the game’s middle phase. The Stormers' initial flurry included two quick tries (and two disallowed ones), but soon after, a series of errors and infringements allowed La Rochelle to claw their way back into the game, narrowing the gap to 16-7 by halftime.
Stormers’ captain Salmaan Moerat noted the team’s robust start but acknowledged the pack’s performance could have been sharper. “As a pack we know we could have been much better. There’s still a lot for us to improve on,” he stated, also highlighting the team’s cohesion after prop Neethling Fouché received a yellow card. “It’s never ideal to get a yellow card, but what was really rewarding was seeing how the group galvanised and worked harder for each other when someone was off the field.”
Dobson also praised Paul de Villiers, the Man of the Match, for his exceptional play. “Paul is very, very special. Two years ago he was getting cleaned out all the time, and now he’s like a limpet. His decision-making is outstanding, and it’s great to see how he’s grown,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dobson remains optimistic about the Stormers' prospects in Europe. “South African teams don’t have a great record in it, and we feel we’ve got an opportunity,” he noted, adding that performances like this bolster the team's belief and dreams of advancing deeper into the tournament than before.