The Stormers' landmark victory against Benetton in Treviso, marking their first triumph at this venue, may have been bittersweet as key player Damian Willemse sustained an injury during the intense 31-16 win. Coach John Dobson revealed concerns that could affect Willemse's participation in the upcoming European tour. "Damian Willemse has probably got a pulled hamstring," Dobson disclosed, noting the strategic shift to the wing to minimize his defensive load.
"It probably puts some of his tour at risk, but the fact that he didn't want to come off and kept playing for the Stormers was very special,"
Dobson added, underscoring the player's grit and dedication.
The Stormers have been on a roll, maintaining an unbeaten streak through five rounds of the United Rugby Championship (URC), including three victories on tour. Dobson couldn't hide his elation over the team's performance against a robust Benetton team. "Very special win for us," he commented. "We've never won here before and it’s a really tough place to play. It was a tough game where they obviously rolled out their big, internationally-laden team."
The match was characterized by its physicality, especially in the first half, presenting the Stormers with a variety of challenges. "They employed different tactics to what we've faced in the first four rounds. Where other teams kicked the ball out, they just put up contestable after contestable," Dobson explained.
The resilience of the Stormers was further bolstered by their bench's performance and the composure of young flyhalf Jurie Mathee, who racked up a personal tally of 21 points. "The impact of the bench was amazing – Zach [Porthen], Adre [Smith], Ruben [van Heerden], Ruan [Ackermann] – and that’s been the secret for us. Whoever’s been on the bench, there are big forwards coming on and it’s making a huge difference," Dobson praised.
"[Cobus] Reinach is obviously a special player and I’m thrilled for Jurie as a game driver. We’re having to cope without Manie [Libbok] and now Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu], but we’ve got a very competent and talented young flyhalf who can drive a team,"
Dobson added, highlighting the depth and emerging talent within the squad.
The URC is set for a month-long hiatus due to the international window, with the Stormers slated to face off against Irish powerhouse Munster on November 29. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the blend of veteran savvy and youthful zeal continues to define their season.
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The Stormers' landmark victory against Benetton in Treviso, marking their first triumph at this venue, may have been bittersweet as key player Damian Willemse sustained an injury during the intense 31-16 win. Coach John Dobson revealed concerns that could affect Willemse's participation in the upcoming European tour. "Damian Willemse has probably got a pulled hamstring," Dobson disclosed, noting the strategic shift to the wing to minimize his defensive load.
"It probably puts some of his tour at risk, but the fact that he didn't want to come off and kept playing for the Stormers was very special,"
Dobson added, underscoring the player's grit and dedication.The Stormers have been on a roll, maintaining an unbeaten streak through five rounds of the United Rugby Championship (URC), including three victories on tour. Dobson couldn't hide his elation over the team's performance against a robust Benetton team. "Very special win for us," he commented. "We've never won here before and it’s a really tough place to play. It was a tough game where they obviously rolled out their big, internationally-laden team."
The match was characterized by its physicality, especially in the first half, presenting the Stormers with a variety of challenges. "They employed different tactics to what we've faced in the first four rounds. Where other teams kicked the ball out, they just put up contestable after contestable," Dobson explained.
The resilience of the Stormers was further bolstered by their bench's performance and the composure of young flyhalf Jurie Mathee, who racked up a personal tally of 21 points. "The impact of the bench was amazing – Zach [Porthen], Adre [Smith], Ruben [van Heerden], Ruan [Ackermann] – and that’s been the secret for us. Whoever’s been on the bench, there are big forwards coming on and it’s making a huge difference," Dobson praised.
"[Cobus] Reinach is obviously a special player and I’m thrilled for Jurie as a game driver. We’re having to cope without Manie [Libbok] and now Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu], but we’ve got a very competent and talented young flyhalf who can drive a team,"
Dobson added, highlighting the depth and emerging talent within the squad.The URC is set for a month-long hiatus due to the international window, with the Stormers slated to face off against Irish powerhouse Munster on November 29. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the blend of veteran savvy and youthful zeal continues to define their season.