Stormers seduced by great start

Coach John Dobson says the Stormers forced passes when Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against an understrength La Rochelle became “too easy”.

With first-choice players rested or injured, La Rochelle fielded a youthful outfit packed with academy players that gave a good account of itself in a 42-21 defeat at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

“It was about the outcome in the end, but it wasn’t a great process from us,” Dobson admitted. “There’s definitely stuff we didn’t get right that we spoke about during the week, and there’s work to do before the local derbies [in the Vodacom URC]. That said, a home win in this competition is non-negotiable.”

REPORT: Stormers subdue spirited La Rochelle

The Stormers burst out of the blocks with two tries – and two more that were disallowed – before infringements and a slew of errors allowed the visitors back into the contest during a scrappy middle period.

Dobson felt his side were briefly seduced by how easily things came early on.

“We started with great energy and intensity, and then it felt like it became too easy,” he explained. “That’s where things got loose and we started forcing passes. Credit to La Rochelle, they fought hard, and that was a learning experience for us in terms of managing that part of the game.”

Dobson pointed to the 15-20 minute mark where his side started losing control and when La Rochelle got a foothold which allowed them to go in at half-time only 16-7 down.

ALSO: JP brings joy as Sharks hold off Saracens

Captain Salmaan Moerat echoed those sentiments but said the team had showed good intensity and physical intent.

“But as a pack we know we could have been much better. There’s still a lot for us to improve on,” he added.

Moerat also singled out the team’s response after being reduced to 14 men after prop Neethling Fouché was sin-binned for a high tackle.

“It’s never ideal to get a yellow card,” he said. “But what was really rewarding was seeing how the group galvanised and worked harder for each other when someone was off the field.”

While mercurial flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Springbok halfback partner Cobus Reinach ran the show, Dobson reserved special praise for Man of the Match Paul de Villiers, whose breakdown work and decision-making stood out.

“Paul is very, very special,” Dobson said. “Two years ago he was getting cleaned out all the time, and now he’s like a limpet. His decision-making is outstanding, and it’s great to see how he’s grown.”

Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE!

Looking ahead, Dobson said the result keeps the Stormers firmly in the hunt in Europe.

“We want to be part of this tournament,” he said. “South African teams don’t have a great record in it, and we feel we’ve got an opportunity.

“Performances like this give us belief, but we also know we have to be better. I think we can start to dream about getting deeper into this tournament than we have got before.”

Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images