John Dobson says the DHL Stormers are assured of shaking off a disrupted build-up to their first away URC playoff in opposition to Glasgow Warriors on Saturday. DYLAN JACK experiences.
The DHL Stormers, on a four-win streak, are in Glasgow to face the Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium within the first spherical of the Vodacom URC playoffs.
It has been a troublesome build-up to the Stormers’ first away playoff within the Vodacom URC, because the staff has needed to cope with the same old long-haul flights, whereas Evan Roos was dominated out of the large conflict as a result of a concussion suffered in coaching.
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Nonetheless, with the squad having loved a stable captain’s run coaching on Friday, Dobson mentioned that there’s a assured temper within the camp.
“We appeared on the URC win predictor. Glasgow are 78% to win and we’re 22%, which we definitely don’t really feel,” Dobson mentioned. “I suppose we’re underdogs as a result of groups usually win their playoffs at house.
“However we don’t really feel like Glasgow are have 4 occasions as a lot of an opportunity of profitable than we’ve. We’re comfy and in a very good house. I don’t suppose we’re taking part in any consideration to that.
“We might be bitterly disenchanted if our journey finishes tomorrow. Regardless of all of the disruptions of the week, accidents to Deon [Fourie] and Damian [Willemse], plus Evan Roos, there’s a actually excited feeling on this camp.”
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Dobson mentioned that whereas not with the ability to name on the in-form Roos was an enormous blow, he’s assured that Willie Engelbrecht will show his price with some huge tackles on the Scotstoun Stadium.
“It’s a palpably huge loss. The best way he’s taking part in, carrying and the work he’s doing, his involvement has gone by way of the roof. The change to quantity six has been good for him. He’s been actually disciplined regardless of the provocation. That was one of many flash factors right here final November, when Evan was yellow carded.
“Willie is totally different. He has obtained monumental stopping energy. He’s a tough tackler. That’s an enormous issue on the 4G pitch, to remove the opposition momentum. He’s actually good at cleansing breakdowns. So whereas he’s not a traditional ball-stealer, he could cause chaos.
“We’re blissful to have Willie’s bodily presence. It’s been a tricky season for him. It hasn’t all gone his approach [in terms of game time] as a result of the staff has been beneath strain. It’s good for him to have a possibility.
“If we get the Willie who performed within the Currie Cup remaining for the Pumas a few years in the past, we received’t really feel the lack of Evan Roos.”
Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Photographs
