John Dobson has voiced his concerns about the timing of the upcoming match against the All Blacks, describing it as "terrible" due to its scheduling during the Stormers' pre-season. Despite the challenges, the Stormers' coach is committed to turning it into an unforgettable event. The historical contest will commence the eight-game Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour at Cape Town Stadium next Friday.
The match occurs nearly seven weeks before the Stormers start their 2026-27 Vodacom URC campaign, posing significant issues in terms of player welfare and preparation. "It’s a terrible time for us to play in terms of player welfare, resting the guys, preparing for the URC," Dobson explained.
"We can actually make it work. This is just too lekker. It’s something the players dream of. We’re going all in to make Cape Town proud and provide a lekker once-off rugby occasion."
Dobson is exhilarated that the full All Blacks tour is happening again, the first since 1996. This event is marked as special especially since the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour was hampered by COVID-19 restrictions, which impacted fan attendance and overall tour atmosphere. "The last Lions tour was such a disappointment with Covid, no travelling fans, and empty stadia," he lamented.
Notably, Dobson highlighted the narrative-building aspect of tours, where stories and rivalries develop over several weeks, providing fans with a deeper connection to the game. "You really build a narrative. You get to know the opposition, the whole squad, all the sub-plots."
The arrival of Beauden Barrett and the All Blacks is set to ignite excitement among rugby fans in South Africa, bringing international flair and competition to the local ground. This tour not only revives a celebrated rugby rivalry but also offers the Stormers a unique prep experience for their upcoming season.
As the clash draws near, all eyes will be on Cape Town Stadium to see if the Stormers can harness their pre-season form to challenge one of the most formidable teams in rugby history.
