In a dazzling display of rugby prowess, the Stormers, under the guidance of coach John Dobson, kicked off their United Rugby Championship season by trouncing the reigning champions, Leinster, with a jaw-dropping 35-0 scoreline at Cape Town Stadium. This Friday night clash saw the Stormers not just beat, but absolutely dismantle a Leinster squad peppered with 13 internationals.
Dobson couldn't hide his delight, praising his squad for executing a game plan that was anything but standard.
"We had a plan, but it had to be a different plan to the normal Stormers plan. If you work out how our game model is – it had to be about hard work, intensity, physicality, sticking to a plan and I’m super proud and grateful to them because that was a magic performance,"
Dobson explained.The Stormers’ forward pack was nothing short of dominant, particularly in the maul where they scored twice, showcasing a tactical evolution credited to forwards coach Rito Hlungwani. "Our mauls have stalled in the last two years, but Rito came up with a new product and it was sensational in George [in a pre-season match against the Sharks] and again here tonight. That’s just a product of Rito working really hard," Dobson noted, highlighting the strategic improvements that made a significant difference.
Additionally, Dobson had high praise for Wandisile Simelane, who filled in at fullback—a position that isn't his usual playground.
"I thought he did well. He’s a 13 and he moved there for the team, so that’s great. But there’s nobody like Warrick Gelant, so we can’t be too complacent. We’ve got work to do there covering backfield and that’s why I’m so grateful to Wandi because he did it for the team,"
said Dobson, acknowledging Simelane's versatility and team spirit.The Stormers' comprehensive win sets a high bar early in the season, and with performances like this, they are signaling their intentions loud and clear to the rest of the league. With a blend of tactical innovation and sheer determination, the Cape Town squad might just be the team to watch this URC season.