Stormers eye European breakthrough with full-strength push against Toulon

The Stormers are facing a tight turnaround and a complex travel schedule ahead of their Champions Cup clash against Toulon, but coach John Dobson says the team is going ‘all in’.

Dobson confirmed the squad will travel via Amsterdam and Marseille before making their way to Toulon, with around 60 people, including players, staff and kit, involved in the trip.

“We’re going to arrive Wednesday, train Thursday, captain’s run Friday, game Saturday,” Dobson said.

“It’s a massive undertaking… all the detail, all the kit, everything that goes with it.”

Dobson: ‘We were in trouble’

The Stormers head into the knockout clash after a 33-17 win, but Dobson admitted the performance raised concerns.

“At 60 minutes, 14-12 down, unacceptable,” he said.

He pointed to costly errors, including a decision near their own tryline that led to a 14-point turnaround.

“We were in proper trouble… some of the process was okay, but we made it uncomfortable.”

A key defensive set late in the match helped settle nerves and ultimately swung momentum.

Champions Cup priority despite URC pressure

The Stormers are second on the URC log, but Dobson made it clear the Toulon clash will not be sacrificed.

“We go for it,” he said.

The coach acknowledged the importance of the upcoming URC fixture against Connacht, calling it ‘absolutely critical’ for a top-two finish.

But the Champions Cup presents a rare opportunity.

“To become the first African team to get to a European semi-final; that’s our goal.”

Full-strength squad confirmed

Dobson confirmed that almost all players from the previous match will travel, with only one injury concern.

“Everybody who played on Saturday is on the aeroplane tomorrow,” he said.

The Stormers are expected to field their strongest possible side, with selection also factoring in impact from the bench.

“It shows we’re picking the best team because it’s the best chance of winning.”

Belief growing in Stormers camp

Despite Toulon’s strong history in the competition, Dobson said belief within the Stormers squad is firm.

“They’re hyped… they think this is an opportunity.”

The team’s improved performances away from home have helped shift the mindset.

“There’s massive belief in this opportunity.”

Dobson expects a different approach compared to their previous match.

“This game is going to take a bit more… we’re not going to go out there and try to grind.”

A defining test for Stormers supporters

For Stormers supporters and South African rugby fans, the clash represents more than just another fixture.

It’s a shot at history, and a test of whether this Stormers side can translate belief into a breakthrough result in Europe.

For more information, listen to Dobson on CapeTalk’s Afternoon Drive with John Maytham using the audio player below: