It’s a “big task” on Friday, but John Dobson wants the Stormers to set the record straight against Connacht and lay the groundwork for a strong start to the season.
The teams will lock horns in round one of the 2026-27 URC at Galway’s Sportsground. Dobson’s men have won four of the last five meetings between the clubs, although the Irish outfit won the most recent clash 33-24 in Cape Town in April.
The Capetonians’ last URC fixture was a semi-final defeat to eventual champions Leinster, which preceded a 38-21 loss to the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on 7 August.
Dobson noted the Stormers were not in the state they wanted to be the last time they met Connacht – the 18 April match followed the death of team manager Chippie Solomons.
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“It was Ruhan [Nel] who was quoted as saying it was one of the darkest days of our careers, and losing the game was a really tough experience for us,” the coach told reporters on Thursday.
“We feel like we want to try to put that right. We could have sent the five points across, because we weren’t in a state to play.
“They’ve always given us a hard time. It’s a big task for us, and it’s a chance for us to redress what happened in Cape Town in April.”
Dobson said it would be difficult to ask for a tougher start than two away matches to begin the season, with a trip to Edinburgh next week.
“What we’d like to do is know that we can do it for a third time. What I mean by that is that we were exceptional in Dublin against Leinster. We were very good against the All Blacks.
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“If we can produce the same tomorrow, it would be OK. That’s what I’d like to see; that’ll give us a win.
“Then we go to Edinburgh to play for two from two. That’ll be where we want to be.”
Dobson also referenced prop Francois van Wyk, who he previously coached with Western Province and will start on debut for Connacht.
“I bought a car from his dad, and it didn’t have to go back! [laughs] ‘Slak’ they call him, what a nickname and he’s a hell of a good oke.
“He’s a good loop player. Brok [Harris] had got some thoughts on how we scrum against him.”
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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Dobbo: We’re playing for two from two appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
It’s a “big task” on Friday, but John Dobson wants the Stormers to set the record straight against Connacht and lay the groundwork for a strong start to the season.
The post Dobbo: We’re playing for two from two appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
