Dawson-Squibb openly praised the energetic performance that came as a response to the previous week's heavy defeat.
"I said – not to the players but to myself – ‘if we lose, we lose’ but there must be an energy in our performance. I felt it was a proper, purposeful performance,"he remarked after the game.
The coach highlighted the youthful vigor brought by players like Muller, who just last year competed in interschool matches.
"You’ve got young guys willing to put their body on the line, and that’s massive,"Dawson-Squibb noted, emphasizing the importance of determination and resilience shown by the young roster.
Leadership qualities were also at the forefront of Dawson-Squibb's commendations, especially lauding Stefan Ungerer, who captained the team in Jean-Luc du Plessis’s absence due to injury. The coach shared how Ungerer’s role was crucial in revamping the team's spirit after a tough loss.
Despite the triumph, Ungerer maintained a level-headed perspective, acknowledging areas needing improvement. "We wanted to put something out there that we can be proud of. It’s hardly ever you get the perfect game, so there’s definitely things we can take out of that to be better next week," he explained, optimistic about refining their game further.
Flyhalf Kyle Smith also received specific mention from Dawson-Squibb for his contribution of 11 points, with the coach emphasizing his pivotal role in the team's strategy and momentum. "A guy like that just needs a bit of confidence. I know how happy he was to play. Credit to him for marshalling us,” Dawson-Squibb stated, underlining the importance of player confidence in crucial matches.
Looking ahead, the coach was cautiously optimistic about the upcoming match against the Cheetahs, noting their solid performance against the champions Griquas. “We know the Cheetahs are good. They’re cohesive, well coached and I can’t wait for Sunday afternoon in Athlone,” he said, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling encounter.
The return of Du Plessis could boost the Stormers further, as Dawson-Squibb hopes for his quick recovery. "He’s got a charisma and a persona about him that is what we want in our team, a real competitor," the coach remarked, highlighting Du Plessis's potential impact upon his return.
The Stormers' next showdown at Athlone Stadium will be a litmus test for their continuity and growth as they face off against a strong Cheetahs squad. With their spirits high and lessons learned, the Stormers look poised to tackle whatever challenges come their way.
