The DHL Stormers won the scoreboard battle but lost parts of the tactical arm-wrestle, according to coach John Dobson, after a 42–21 Investec Champions Cup victory over a youthful, understrength La Rochelle at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium that promised champagne rugby before turning into a lesson in game management.
The Stormers exploded out of the blocks with two early tries and two more chalked off, before discipline wobbled and handling errors loosened their grip. The visitors, fielding an academy-heavy pack, refused to fold and clawed their way back into the contest, trailing just 16–7 at the break.
“It was about the outcome in the end, but it wasn’t a great process from us,” Dobson admitted.
“There’s definitely stuff we didn’t get right that we spoke about during the week, and there’s work to do before the local derbies [in the Vodacom URC]. That said, a home win in this competition is non-negotiable.”
Dobson felt the Stormers were briefly seduced by the ease of their early gains, trying miracle balls instead of building phases.
“We started with great energy and intensity, and then it felt like it became too easy,” he explained.
“That’s where things got loose and we started forcing passes. Credit to La Rochelle, they fought hard, and that was a learning experience for us in terms of managing that part of the game.”
The coach pointed to the 15-to-20-minute window as the turning point, when control slipped and La Rochelle earned a foothold that kept the contest alive far longer than expected.
Captain Salmaan Moerat agreed the Stormers’ physical intent was evident, but said the pack left meat on the bone.
“But as a pack we know we could have been much better. There’s still a lot for us to improve on,” he said.
Moerat also highlighted the response after the Stormers were reduced to 14 men when prop Neethling Fouché was yellow-carded for a high tackle.
“It’s never ideal to get a yellow card,” he said.
“But what was really rewarding was seeing how the group galvanised and worked harder for each other when someone was off the field.”
While flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Springbok halfback Cobus Reinach steered proceedings with silk and steel, Dobson reserved special praise for Man of the Match Paul de Villiers, whose breakdown presence was likened to a barnacle clinging to the hull.
“Paul is very, very special,” Dobson said.
“Two years ago he was getting cleaned out all the time, and now he’s like a limpet. His decision-making is outstanding, and it’s great to see how he’s grown.”
Despite the scruffy passages, the result keeps the Stormers in the European hunt, a competition where South African sides have historically struggled to impose themselves.
“We want to be part of this tournament,” Dobson said.
“South African teams don’t have a great record in it, and we feel we’ve got an opportunity.
“Performances like this give us belief, but we also know we have to be better. I think we can start to dream about getting deeper into this tournament than we have got before.”
The Stormers face the Lions in a United Rugby Championship derby at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town next weekend. Dobson is aware their winning streak easily come to an end if sloppiness creeps in again.
