Stormers Director John Dobson on Quarter-Final Opponents
John Dobson, who led the Stormers to the 2022 United Rugby Championship (URC) title, has described Cardiff as the "easiest" opponents in the URC quarter-finals. Corniel van Zyl, Cardiff's head coach, has welcomed Dobson's remarks ahead of their upcoming play-off clash.
The Blue and Blacks are set to make their first play-off appearance in Cape Town on Saturday at 14:30 BST, having finished sixth in the URC table. Cardiff aims to challenge the Stormers, a side they defeated 22-16 at the Arms Park two weeks prior. This loss caused the Stormers to drop to third place in the standings, behind Glasgow and Leinster.
Dobson expressed satisfaction with the quarter-final draw, noting the advantage of facing Cardiff rather than other strong contenders.
"It's probably the easiest of the quarter-finals," Dobson told CapeTalk.
He acknowledged that the Stormers deserved their earlier defeat at Cardiff but was relieved to avoid facing the 2023 champions Munster, Connacht—who won in Cape Town in April—or South African rivals Lions.
"If we won in Cardiff, we would have played the Lions and I think we'd be a lot more angst-ridden than we are about Cardiff," Dobson said. "It sounds arrogant and presumptuous, but I think if I was to choose a quarter-finalist, it's the first time they have been in a quarter-final so I would probably choose them."
Cardiff's Response and Challenge Ahead
Wales wing Josh Adams commented that Cardiff would regard Dobson's assessment with skepticism. Meanwhile, Van Zyl emphasized the pressure his team faces in the upcoming match.
"It makes it even better," Van Zyl said when asked about Dobson's comments. "It's a nice little challenge and it will come down to the 80 minutes and hopefully the boys can perform well.
"With Stormers' last few results after starting the season so well, the pressure was on us last time at Cardiff Arms Park, but that has moved a little bit now."
Cardiff's away record this season includes only one victory outside Wales, a win against URC bottom club Zebre in November. Despite this, Van Zyl remains optimistic about their chances.
"I know people will be writing us off, but we will have a good crack at it and see what happens," he said.
Wales Trio Travel to South Africa
Cardiff's squad has been strengthened by the availability of Wales internationals Josh Adams, Alex Mann, Mason Grady, and influential lock Josh McNally. However, fly-half Callum Sheedy remains unavailable.
"It's massive to have them back and ready for selection because they are experienced and have been a big part in what we have done this season," Van Zyl said.
Adams missed the earlier Stormers fixture in Cardiff due to a head injury sustained while playing outside centre against Glasgow, marking his first club game since an impressive Six Nations campaign on the wing for Wales. Grady and Mann both missed the last three games of the season, while McNally was absent from the regular season finale due to Royal Air Force commitments.
This situation left George Nott and Rory Thornton as the only specialist locks available, with back-row forward Alun Lawrence providing cover. The absence of Sheedy, who started 18 of 23 fixtures this season, means Ioan Lloyd is expected to continue directing play.
