The Stormers have no intention of trying to outplay the All Blacks in a free-flowing contest when Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour kicks off in Cape Town on Friday night, writes MORNÉ ESBEN.
Instead, coach John Dobson says his side will lean into its traditional strengths, insisting there is “one job” against Dave Rennie’s tourists.
“We’ve got to engage them physically,” Dobson told the media on Thursday.
“We’ve got to look at those things that we’re good at every week. The set-piece and the physicality – that’s what we’re good at. It’s in our DNA.
“We can’t suddenly go out there and try to join what Stephen Jones calls Super Rugby’s ‘basketball’. That’s not going to be our plan at all.”
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Dobson believes South African and New Zealand rugby have drifted further apart since the end of Super Rugby.
“The difference is getting bigger in style,” he said.
“We looked at the stats this week of how much the All Blacks are passing and moving the ball. The graph is just going through the roof.
“It’s not just a different nuance – it’s a different style and mindset to the game altogether.”
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While the Stormers are preparing for the All Blacks’ expansive attack, Dobson believes his side’s best chance lies in imposing themselves physically and forcing the visitors out of their comfort zone.
The Stormers have spent the week sharpening their defensive systems to deal with New Zealand’s relentless attacking style.
“We’ve worked hard and we’ve got a really clear plan,” Dobson said.
“It may not be nominated for the Emmys for the most entertaining rugby, but it’s Friday night and this is going to be a Test match in our view.
“The anthem is going to be something. There’s going to be a haka. We’ve got one job there – to get into that fight and win it.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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The Stormers have no intention of trying to outplay the All Blacks in a free-flowing contest when Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour kicks off in Cape Town on Friday night.
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