John Dobson has urged Capetonians to pack out Cape Town Stadium as the Stormers welcome back Ruhan Nel and Seabelo Senatla for their crucial URC quarter-final. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The Stormers returned home from Cardiff with their tails between their legs after costly results against Ulster and Cardiff saw them surrender an excellent chance of topping the final United Rugby Championship log, and drop to third, with serious play-off repercussions.
But since beginning preparations on the green grass of home for next week’s quarter-final against the very same Cardiff team that beat them last week, the positives have kept on coming, among them the double boost of fit-again backs Ruhan Nel and Seabelo Senatla.
And speaking of grass, the Stormers know it will be a very different ball game for them next Saturday on “real” grass after the discomfort of artificial 4G pitches in Belfast and Cardiff.
Coach John Dobson’s dejection after the 38-38 draw with Ulster and the 24-16 defeat at the Cardiff Arms Park has given way to positivity.
“It is play-off rugby now, and we are starting afresh. It is three games in a row that we have to win,” he said.
“We absolutely have to win this quarter-final. As Deon (Fourie) says, it won’t be won by magic; it will be won by things like defence, work ethic, and attention to detail. That is what we are working on now.”
There is no escaping the fact that the two-match tour to the UK was a failure. In fact, a curious reality for the Stormers is that after reaching round 9 unbeaten, they have won only four of their last 10 URC games.
No wonder Dobson is looking forward to playing at a Cape Town Stadium packed with loyal fans.
“Playing in front of our amazing supporters is going to be most helpful,” he said. “It was a tough week for us after what happened, but we have a massive opportunity to put it right.
Ruhan Nel of the Stormers. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
“We cannot wait to play Cardiff in Cape Town. We cannot wait to play them on grass, to put the record straight.
“It doesn’t happen often that you get the chance the following week to have a go at the team that beat you,” the coach smiled.
“To have Ruhan back from injury is massive. He leads the defence. And we have missed Seabelo Senatla the whole season, we really have. He is one of those players who gets supporters out of their seats, and he is back for the quarter-final, and maybe a few others.
"So. to have maybe five or six players back on strength and allowing us to select probably our strongest team, apart from the long-term injured Cobus Reinach, will be fantastic.”
Dobson also sent out a plea to Capetonians to get behind the team.
“We love the vibe we have now in the stadium, and our interaction with the fans, the presence, the bustle. When we feel that we play better, and when we play better, the fans enjoy it more, so it is a virtuous circle.
“So I want to ask the people to come in. A kick-off time of 3.30pm is perfect. It is knockout rugby and will be one hell of a game.
“We believe that we have the group to go far in this competition. If a few results go our way, we can have more playoffs in Cape Town. So please help us to get through this one, and we won’t let you down.”