February 13, 2025

WATCH | Dobbo relieved after early Christmas present

Cape Town – John Dobson, director of rugby of the Stormers, was a  relieved man after his side’s 29-10 United Rugby Championship (URC) win over the Lions at the DHL Stadium on Saturday.

The Stormers mentor admitted that self-doubt started to creep in following four consecutive defeats combined during the URC and Champions Cup.

The hosts capitalised on Lions lock Ruben Schoeman’s red card, scoring five tries, including a brace from Joseph Dweba. They can enjoy Christmas and will have to make sure they refocus to face the Sharks in Cape Town next Saturday.

“It was all about getting the win,” Dobson said.

“Losing four [matches] in a row, it’s tough.

“You start to have self-doubts, but the most important thing was the W (win).

“It was hard work. You have to give the Lions credit for how they stuck around after the red card.

“You probably won’t agree with me but the games we played the last couple of weeks we were probably a bit better.

“They put us under a pressure a bit in the second half. But it was all about the win.

“They’re a tenacious side, they’re fifth or sixth on the log so it’s a good win for us.”

Although Dobson was grateful that his team at least could at least celebrate Christmas with a win under the belt, he cautioned that the real test will come next week when they face the Sharks in in the Mother City.

The Sharks pipped the Bulls 20-17 in the other SA derby in Durban.

“We’re feeling great now, and guys will be having Christmas, but the job’s only half done. Next week, if we get those other five [points], then we’re back in the mix.”

The match also marked a big occasion for skipper Deon Fourie, who returned to action after an eight-month injury layoff, and the veteran flanker was thrilled to be back on the field.

“Just to hit that first ruck to get that old feeling back, I was hunting that, and fortunately, I got the first turnover and everything else fell into place,” Fourie said.

“Happy to be back and glad everything held up, and all the nerves went out the window in the first minute.”

Photo Credit: Stormers prop Neethling Fouche scores against the Lions at DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa on December 21, 2024. Matrix Images / Nic Bothma

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