John Dobson Pinpoints the Stormers’ Biggest Problem After Edinburgh Defeat
- The Stormers’ lineout problems became a major talking point after they surrendered possession repeatedly in a frustrating URC defeat
- John Dobson was left disappointed by a key part of the Stormers’ game plan as difficult conditions added to their set-piece struggles
- The Stormers now return home for a huge South African derby against the Sharks with Dobson already promising changes to his side
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The Stormers left Edinburgh with plenty to fix after their 17-13 United Rugby Championship defeat, with coach John Dobson pointing directly at a malfunctioning lineout as a major reason for the loss. The Capetonians surrendered 11 lineouts during the match, including a crucial one late in the contest.
Stormers lineout struggles prove costly
Dobson was particularly frustrated because the lineout was central to the Stormers’ plans for dealing with the difficult conditions.
“From our side, we don’t have to look too much beyond our performance in the lineout. We lost 11 and you can’t win a game if your plan in those conditions is based around the maul,” Dobson said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.
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Dobson also highlighted how repeatedly giving Edinburgh possession hurt the Stormers, particularly with the wind making accurate execution even more important.
“You’re just giving up possession, which is devastating with the wind and into the wind. So, very disappointing, given our plan for the game,” he said.
The Stormers had already lost 7 lineouts before half-time, yet kept the deficit to just 3-0. They improved after the break when Hacjivah Dayimani crossed for a try to take the lead, but Edinburgh responded with 2 converted tries. The hosts then secured a 17-13 victory by winning a crucial Stormers lineout late in the match.
Stormers turn attention to Sharks derby
Dobson also admitted the weather caught his team off guard, with strong winds making the lineout battle even more difficult.
The Stormers lost André-Hugo Venter during the first half after he failed a head-injury assessment. Dobson described his absence as significant, particularly because of his importance to the lineout.
The defeat leaves the Stormers preparing for their first home match of the season, against the Sharks at DHL Stadium on Saturday, 10 October. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 South African time.
Dobson believes his squad can respond quickly.
“We’re super excited for next week,” he said. “Our squad will look different. It’ll be a big occasion, and we’ll be much better than we were tonight, and we’ll fix the lineouts.”
The Sharks arrive in Cape Town unbeaten after winning their opening two URC matches, setting up an intriguing early-season South African derby.
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Sharks arrive in Cape Town after statement Leinster win
Briefly News also reported that André Esterhuizen put a turbulent Springbok captaincy period behind him as he helped the Sharks secure a 26-20 victory over defending URC champions Leinster at Kings Park.
The result leaves the Sharks unbeaten after 2 rounds, setting up an intriguing clash with the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday, 10 October.
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Source: Briefly News
