John Dobson to lead Stormers in URC against Munster.

Stormers coach John Dobson. Photo: Supplied.

Dobson not underestimating Connacht

Stormers coach John Dobson won’t be taking any chances when Connacht arrive in Cape Town for a semi-final clash.

John Dobson to lead Stormers in URC against Munster.

Stormers coach John Dobson. Photo: Supplied.

Stormers coach John Dobson won’t be taking any chances when Connacht arrive in Cape Town for a semi-final clash.

A home last four fixture wasn’t on the cards but Connacht shocked Ulster on Friday.

The Stormers, who beat the Bulls to win the URC, made no mistake in the North South Derby at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

Connacht will be tough

Now, facing up to the Irish threat is next. And Dobson and his men have already taken stock.

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“We were chatting about Connacht a couple of weeks ago and it’s similar to what we say about ourselves. As [Seabelo] Senatla says, they’ve got ‘dawg’ in them and they have.

“They won seven in a row. There is something there that is worrying: the way they fight, and their attack shape is really good. Connacht have a great story, from a windy greyhound track in the far west with the smallest budget [in Ireland]. They don’t go away. They will be tougher than we think.”

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The Stormers beat 14-men Connacht in Stellenbosch in their opening game this season. Bundee Aki was sent off for a dangerous play on Seabelo Senatla in the 31-15 win.

The Stormers lost to Munster at home and struggled against Benetton before turning on the class against the Bulls.

Dobson happy Stormers have their mojo back

“There was a fear two weeks ago that we were out of synch and out of flow. The momentum was all with the Bulls. It all seemed to settle this week. We were really, really confident.

“When you play in the semi-final, no matter who you play, it’s going to be a very good team. They are tough opposition, but we can feel confident. With respect to Connacht, a team that has crossed the equator is useful opposition, compared to a team that has travelled from upcountry.

“We prepared and trained really well this week. This felt like the most pressure we have had so far. It feels like now we can get back into the groove.

“If we as defending champions had slipped up in the quarter-finals, it would have undone a lot of the good work we had done over the last year. Now I feel the pressure is off, so let’s see what happens.”

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David Kriel and Johan Grobbelaar combine to stop Steven Kitshoff of Stormers during the United Rugby Championship 2022/23 quarterfinal between the Stormers and Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on 6 May 2023. Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix