After a less-than-perfect victory over La Rochelle, Stormers coach John Dobson has his sights firmly set on the upcoming challenge against the Lions this Saturday at Cape Town Stadium. Despite the Lions' recent stumbles in the EPCR Challenge Cup, Dobson knows better than to underestimate them.
"We had a good look at the Lions as coaches already," Dobson confessed, noting key players like Henco van Wyk, known for racking up contact metres, and Quan Horn, a threat with his linebreaks. "We've played them a few times and know how dangerous they can be."
"This [La Rochelle] performance won’t beat a fired-up Lions team in Cape Town."
Dobson emphasized the need for a ramped-up game, especially in front of a home crowd. "Home wins are non-negotiable, and we know Saturday won’t be easy," he added, making it clear that the Lions’ strategy of resting key players mirrors his own tactics for high-stakes matches. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on.
Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat also weighed in on the intensity of local derbies. "It’s always a different challenge in the derbies," Moerat said. He highlighted the team's need for improvement, especially in the pack's performance, which showed lapses in accuracy during their last game.
"Our people will bring the energy. It’s up to us to match that intensity from the first minute."
The match marks the Stormers' return to Cape Town Stadium for the first time since October, adding an extra layer of excitement and pressure. Moerat's call to arms emphasizes the team's determination to rise to the occasion, backed by the vibrant home crowd energy.
As the Stormers brace themselves for this high-octane encounter, fans can expect a fiercely contested match where every tackle, scrum, and try could tilt the scales. With both teams looking to assert dominance early in the season, Saturday's clash is shaping up to be a thriller.
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After a less-than-perfect victory over La Rochelle, Stormers coach John Dobson has his sights firmly set on the upcoming challenge against the Lions this Saturday at Cape Town Stadium. Despite the Lions' recent stumbles in the EPCR Challenge Cup, Dobson knows better than to underestimate them.
"We had a good look at the Lions as coaches already," Dobson confessed, noting key players like Henco van Wyk, known for racking up contact metres, and Quan Horn, a threat with his linebreaks. "We've played them a few times and know how dangerous they can be."
"This [La Rochelle] performance won’t beat a fired-up Lions team in Cape Town."
Dobson emphasized the need for a ramped-up game, especially in front of a home crowd. "Home wins are non-negotiable, and we know Saturday won’t be easy," he added, making it clear that the Lions’ strategy of resting key players mirrors his own tactics for high-stakes matches. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on.
Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat also weighed in on the intensity of local derbies. "It’s always a different challenge in the derbies," Moerat said. He highlighted the team's need for improvement, especially in the pack's performance, which showed lapses in accuracy during their last game.
"Our people will bring the energy. It’s up to us to match that intensity from the first minute."
The match marks the Stormers' return to Cape Town Stadium for the first time since October, adding an extra layer of excitement and pressure. Moerat's call to arms emphasizes the team's determination to rise to the occasion, backed by the vibrant home crowd energy.
As the Stormers brace themselves for this high-octane encounter, fans can expect a fiercely contested match where every tackle, scrum, and try could tilt the scales. With both teams looking to assert dominance early in the season, Saturday's clash is shaping up to be a thriller.