Dobbo disappointed with lineout malfunction

John Dobson singled out the Stormers’ inaccuracy from the side of the pitch in Edinburgh on Friday, as the Capetonians look to bounce back to winning ways next week.

The Stormers lost 17-13 at Hive Stadium, after trailing 3-0 at half-time in the URC round-two clash. Dobson’s men had opportunities inside the first 40 minutes but struggled at lineout time – they lost seven throw-ins before the break and 11 in total.

Speaking after the defeat, Dobson zeroed in on the set-piece woes: “From our side, we don’t have to look too much beyond our performance in the lineout. We lost 11 [and] you can’t win a game if your plan in those conditions is based around the maul. 

“You’re just giving up possession, which is devastating with the wind and into the wind. So, very disappointing, given our plan for the game. 

“The conditions took us by surprise because the weather has been so good,” the coach added. “It stopped raining, but there was a strong wind that we went into in the first half.

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“Despite the lost lineouts, to be only 3-0 down at half-time and then get the lead … Then there were one or two poor moments of discipline at the breakdown, and they converted every opportunity they got.”

Man of the Match Hacjivah Dayimani’s try and eight points from Yaqeen Ahmed’s boot had kept the Stormers in the game, and had a chance to steal victory at the death, but the hosts stole their lineout to secure victory.

The visitors lost hooker André-Hugo Venter midway through the opening stanza due to a failed HIA, and was replaced by Vernon Paulo.

“The loss of Vennas was a big loss, not just lineout-wise – he’s one of our best players,” Dobson said. “It was frustrating that he wasn’t allowed to return to the field, but that’s the protocol, so we have to respect that. I don’t think there were any other injury concerns.”

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Dobson’s troops were looking for a first-ever win in Scotland after a bonus-point win over Connacht in Galway last week.

“I suppose we take six points from the tour, but this is a game we probably should have won,” he conceded.

The club now looks to next Saturday’s clash against the Sharks, the first of four successive matches at Cape Town Stadium in October and with the likes of Springboks Damian Willemse, Cobus Reinach and Deon Fourie set to return.

“We’re super excited for next week,” Dobson added. “Our squad will look different.

“It’ll be a big occasion, and we’ll be much better than we were tonight, and we’ll fix the lineouts.”

Photo: @THESTORMERS/X