Following a challenging opening match in the 2024-25 Vodacom URC, DHL Stormers’ director of rugby John Dobson expressed optimism despite his team’s 37-24 defeat to the Ospreys in Bridgend on Saturday, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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The Stormers, who will face Zebre next Saturday at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi before wrapping up their three-match tour in Edinburgh, aim to focus on the positives from the match at Dunraven Brewery Field.
‘It’s strange because the outcome is similar to the start of last season’s tour, but I feel more encouraged this time,’ Dobson said after the game in Wales.
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‘A lot of the aspects we’re working on were evident, and there were some solid individual performances.’
The Stormers began the game strongly, with Ruhan Nel catching a cross-kick to assist Leolin Zas in scoring a try. Jurie Matthee converted and added two penalties, giving the visitors a 16-13 lead at halftime after the teams were level at 13-13 following tries and penalties from both sides.
In the second half, Damian Willemse extended the lead with a drop goal, but the Ospreys responded with a try from Reuben Morgan-Williams and a drop goal by Dan Edwards. Although JD Schickerling scored a late try for the Stormers, the Ospreys secured their victory with a penalty try in the closing moments.
Dobson acknowledged the Ospreys’ strong second-half performance while maintaining faith in his team’s potential for growth.
‘Ospreys were very effective in the second half and scored from a well-executed strike move from the lineout,’ he noted. ‘However, there are still encouraging signs for us. We truly wanted to win, so it’s disappointing.’
He highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in handling contestable kicks, which he felt were crucial in the match.
‘Our lineouts were flawless today, but we struggled with contestable kicks and were lacking in that area. The challenges in the northern hemisphere really impacted us, and that likely cost us the game.’
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Picture: Gareth Everett/Gallo Images
