Stormers coach John Dobson has launched a passionate defence of his players, describing public criticism as “completely uncalled for” and “depressing”. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports.
Dobson was speaking at a media conference ahead of the team’s return to Vodacom URC action and just over a week after an agonising 28-27 loss away to Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup last-16.
“I just don’t understand the world we live in now,” he said. “You can destroy a guy like Salmaan [Moerat] or question a guy like Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu], who is clearly a generational player. It’s absolutely astounding and depressing.”
SACHA: I could’ve dropped into the pocket
Dobson was particularly emphatic in defending Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s role in the final moments of the match at the Stade Mayol.
“Let me just say this clearly, the drop goal was never on,” he stressed. “We were going to get over the line. Adré Smith scored. It’s that simple.”
Match officials ruled that Smith was held up over the line, while the Stormers were also denied a clear penalty try eight minutes earlier.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu was criticised for not taking a drop goal when in front of the posts, while Toulon centre Juan Ignacio Brex was left stunned that the Stormers did not go wide with the French club down to 13 men late on.
MORE: Toulon’s Brex ‘stunned’ by Stormers’ approach
But Dobson was adamant, saying: “Throwing it wide or going back for a drop goal? That’s a 50-50. It was never part of the plan. So it’s certainly not Sacha’s fault.”
Dobson also called out criticism of Stormers captain Moerat who announced last week that he would be leaving Cape Town for France.
“Salmaan puts his body on the line every time for this team. He’s a child of this community, and people are saying good riddance? It’s unbelievable.”
The Stormers boss admitted the coaching staff are mindful of the pressure on young playmaker Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
“We have a duty of care towards Sacha,” he added. “That’s part of the reason we manage him the way we do.
“Sacha is our No 10, no question,” he added. “Salmaan has given everything to this team. The criticism is just not justified.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Dobbo blasts criticism of Stormers stars appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Stormers coach John Dobson has launched a passionate defence of his players, describing public criticism as “completely uncalled for” and “depressing”.
The post Dobbo blasts criticism of Stormers stars appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
