John Dobson has backed Stormers hooker Vernon Paulo to put in a strong performance against Ulster in Cape Town.
The 25-year-old was heavily criticised after the Cape club’s defeat to Edinburgh on tour earlier this month, during which they lost 11 lineouts, and has not featured since.
However, injuries to André-Hugo Venter and Deon Fourie, concussion to Lukhanyo Vokozela and the suspension of JJ Kotzé mean Paulo will start on Saturday, with Bongi Mbonambi set to make his Stormers return off the bench.
Dobson defended Paulo after Wednesday’s team announcement.
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“We lost 11 lineouts against Edinburgh,” he said. “Four or five were really poor calls, four were really good contesting steals.
“If you look at Edinburgh’s contesting stats, they are just through the roof at the moment. They did the same thing to the Lions last week.”
Dobson said only three of the Stormers’ lineout throws were poor, citing the wet conditions, strong wind and Edinburgh’s decision to close down the front and middle of the lineout.
“We had no issues with Vernon and the narrative that he was responsible for the loss was absolute rubbish. He knows the true picture.”
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The Stormers now turn their attention to Ulster, who are winless in the URC after two draws and two defeats, including a 34-26 loss to the Bulls at Loftus last week. They will also be without eight internationals, who were called up to the Ireland squad for the Nations Championship.
However, captain Ruhan Nel warned against underestimating the visitors.
“If you look at how Ulster have been playing over the past few weeks, they’re behind but then they come back strongly in those last few minutes,” Nel said.
“They’ve had two draws and almost pipped the Bulls. Some of the guys they’ve flown over are pushing for places in that starting side and we’re under no illusions as to how strong this Ulster side is.
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“It’s a massive clash for us and we’ve never easily beaten Ulster. They’ve given us a few hidings when we’ve visited them and we had that [38-38] draw last season.
“So we know what’s waiting for us.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
The post Dobbo blasts ‘rubbish’ Paulo criticism appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
John Dobson has backed Stormers hooker Vernon Paulo to put in a strong performance against Ulster in Cape Town.
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