John Dobson says while the timing of next Friday’s clash against the All Blacks is “terrible”, the Stormers will do everything possible to make it a memorable occasion.
The eight-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour kicks off when the Stormers host the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium.
The match comes during the Stormers’ pre-season, almost seven weeks before they launch their 2026-27 Vodacom URC campaign on 25 September.
“It’s a terrible time for us to play in terms of player welfare, resting the guys, preparing for the URC,” Dobson admitted in the latest issue of SA Rugby magazine.
However, the Stormers’ URC semi-final exit last season has inadvertently given the coaching staff more time to prepare their players.
“We can actually make it work,” Dobson added. “This is just too lekker. It’s something the players dream of.
“We’re going all in to make Cape Town proud and provide a lekker once-off rugby occasion.”
ALSO: All Blacks to unleash Beauden on Stormers
The Stormers director of rugby is particularly excited that South Africa will once again experience a full All Blacks tour, the first since 1996, after lockdown robbed fans of the chance to attend matches during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour.
“The last Lions tour was such a disappointment with Covid, no travelling fans and empty stadia,” he said. “This is extra special because the last All Blacks tour was exactly 30 years ago.”
Dobson says touring teams create stories that unfold over several weeks.
“You really build a narrative. You get to know the opposition, the whole squad, all the sub-plots.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Dobbo amped for ‘lekker’ All Blacks occasion appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
John Dobson says while the timing of next Friday’s clash against the All Blacks is “terrible”, the Stormers will do everything possible to make it a memorable occasion.
The post Dobbo amped for ‘lekker’ All Blacks occasion appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
