Stormers turn focus to Sharks derby after European disappointment

After a bruising European campaign, the Stormers have little time to dwell on what might have been. Attention now turns firmly to the United Rugby Championship and a high-stakes derby against the Sharks, starting at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on Saturday night.

Kick-off is at 7.30 pm.

Head coach John Dobson admitted it still stings to be heading to Toulon for the knockouts after collecting 15 points from four matches in the pool phase.

“We will feel a bit empty about it,” Dobson said. “Our scenario was to get 15 points from three of the four, which is exactly what we did. It is disappointing not to be hosting it here.”

From Europe to the URC grind

The Stormers drop out of the European Champions Cup and back into the weekly demands of the United Rugby Championship, beginning with consecutive matches against their coastal rivals.

Dobson insists the squad must quickly reset mentally, even if the sense of missed opportunity lingers. “We went exactly to plan in terms of points. We’re still going to go for that game, but yes, I’m disappointed we’re not hosting.”

Errors, effort and late-game nerves

Reflecting on last weekend’s performance, Dobson drew a clear line between technical mistakes and lapses in effort, especially during nervy finishes.

“Effort errors are the unforgivable ones,” he said. “What this team does have is that they work for each other. That’s probably why we win games in the last minutes — even if it’s terrible to watch from the coach’s box.”

He pointed to moments late in the match that sent heart rates soaring. “When a kick gets charged down, you just can’t see it coming. Those last four or five minutes are hair-raising.”

‘Chicken-wing’ passes and game management

Dobson acknowledged growing concern around decision-making under pressure, particularly the balance between flair and control.

“When we’re overseas, we stick to a plan really well,” he said. “At home, we sometimes want to light our hair on fire.”

He cited unnecessary offloads and risky passes in their own half as an ongoing issue. “It’s tricky. If you tell instinctive players they’re not allowed to offload, you make them something they’re not. We haven’t quite got that balance right yet.”

All eyes on the Sharks showdown

Despite praising the Sharks’ depth — “it’s basically a Springbok XV on paper” — Dobson believes the Stormers have key advantages, particularly up front and on the bench.

“I do think it’s going to get edgy,” he warned. “There’s a Springbok-trial element to this game now. It’ll be ugly and tight early, but I’m hoping our bench makes the difference after 65 minutes.”

Discipline and composure likely to decide whether the Stormers can turn frustration into momentum — and keep the dreaded chicken-wing passes firmly holstered.

For more information, listen to Dobson using the audio player below: