September 26, 09:40IOL

John Dobson highly praised Stormers' performance after URC victory with bonus point over Connacht

Stormers coach John Dobson expressed satisfaction with his team's performance in the first match of the United Rugby Championship (URC), which took place on Friday evening against Connacht in Galway. Despite Stormers failing to convert many chances created against Connacht, rugby director John Dobson was pleased with the team's 29-15 victory.

Thanks to two late touchdowns, the visitors secured bonus points in Galway, starting their new season confidently, even though injuries threatened to slow their pace before the match. However, thanks to the brilliant play of the forwards during scrums and moving mauls, as well as courageous defense and physical intensity, Stormers earned five points away from home ahead of their second round in Scotland against Edinburgh.

Dobson noted that he is very proud of the team's performance, although he admitted they could have made the game simpler. He commented on missed opportunities, stating: 'I think we probably complicated things a bit more than necessary.' He added that if they had converted their chances when leading 10-0 several minutes before halftime, instead of missing two touchdowns, they could have won the match and taken the lead.

Nevertheless, considering the setbacks this week, he called it an 'exceptional performance.' Dobson believes the team deserved the win in terms of process. He also mentioned that the plan was good, but there were errors, especially in the second-half attack, where the team often played from the ninth player and perhaps did not stretch the opponent's defense enough, and the first half was too intense, but one could argue they deserved to be the dominant team.

UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

The coach had to make some changes to the squad after No. 8 Evan Russ and reserve winger Marcel Teunissen were ruled out. According to the coach, they sustained minor injuries during training on pitch 4G before the match. Nevertheless, in the absence of experienced players, newcomers Louw Nel and Riley Norton played at the flanker positions, and number eight Hajivah Daimani showed solid play in the scrum and ball carrying. Hooker Andre-Hugo Winter demonstrated outstanding play and deservedly received the man of the match award.

In the final minutes of the match, debutants hooker Vernon Paulo and midfielder Ezekiel Ngobeni scored the winning touchdowns, allowing the Cape Town side to earn four touchdowns for bonus points. Dobson noted: 'A nice romantic story is that Vernon and Ezekiel are debuting and scoring touchdowns. I think to get five points on a field like this, Connacht can tempt many teams. It is a difficult place to play, so this victory was very satisfying.'

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iol.co.zaSeptember 26, 24:11

Stormers defeat Connacht 29-15 in the opening round of the URC campaign

The Stormers team kicked off its United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign with a five-point victory over Connacht, 29-15, on Friday evening in Galway. The strong play of hooker Andre-Hugo Venter played a key role in the match, and he was named Man of the Match.

The win was secured by two touchdowns from two late-coming Stormers debutants. These scores allowed the Cape Town side to earn five points away, starting the URC season successfully.

A substitution of hooker Vernon Paulo scored one of these touchdowns, providing a seven-point lead. Subsequently, substitute midfielder Ezekiel Ngobeni intercepted the ball after winger Seabelo Senatla's kick from his own half, sealing the 29-15 victory in Galway.

Despite the URC season start not being entirely smooth, and the team facing issues due to injuries to two key forwards, Evan Roos and Marcel Teunissen, before the game, the visitors could have regretted not utilizing their chances more effectively, despite having full possession in the first and second halves.

There were numerous opportunities throughout the match to secure the result. Captain Rohan Nel intercepted the ball, but the connection between him and winger Leolien Zass within the team was lacking, and Connacht winger Max Hansen made a desperate tackle, preventing Nel's touchdown. Furthermore, flyhalf Yuri Matty touched the ball during a tackle after it appeared he was running for a try, but he was stopped by a Connacht flanker.

In the second half, winger Seabelo Senatla was held up near the try line, and another debutant, Yakin Ahmed, received a penalty attempt due to an infringement. Stormers led 10-0 after 35 minutes thanks to their strength in scrums and mauls, but they failed to capitalize on this advantage. Instead, and as is typical at the start of a season, they missed many opportunities due to minor errors.

These missed chances and errors at the end of the first half led to a Connacht counterattack, bringing the score to 12-10 at halftime. However, consistent mauls and rucks, along with ball movements by players such as Andre-Hugo Venter, Lou Nel, Connor Evans, and Hajiva Daimani, helped maintain momentum for the Cape Town side. Solid defense also played a crucial role in the second half, preventing the home side from crossing the try line again. Connacht managed only to convert a penalty, adding points to their halftime score.

Despite numerous errors from the Stormers, they take five points from Galway, especially considering the difficulty of the venue and the start of the season. They achieved half of their goal for the round and can now aim for a complete victory in the second match against Edinburgh to secure a perfect start to the new season.

iol.co.zaSeptember 18, 13:31

Stormers Rugby Director John Dobson Denies Rumors About Hashim Ped's Transfer

Stormers rugby director John Dobson clarified the franchise's position regarding Hashim Ped and discussed the long recovery process of injured midfielder Imaad Khan as the team prepares for the new campaign in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

United Rugby Championship

Recently, there has been active discussion in Cape Town about the depth issue for the Stormers squad at the scrumhalf position. Reports emerged linking young South African U20 international Hashim Ped to a potential high-profile transfer from the Lions to the Western Cape.

However, John Dobson, Stormers rugby director, dismissed rumors of such a transfer. There were speculations that Stormers were prepared to pay a huge sum for the services of the young midfielder from Johannesburg. Nevertheless, the deal did not materialize, as Stormers announced their roster for the 2026/27 URC season without him, since Ped is still under contract with the Lions.

Dobson categorically rejected claims of inflated buyout figures, clarifying that while interest in the talented playmaker exists, no astronomical offers have been received. He stated: 'The first thing regarding the transfer fee question... is complete nonsense. Hashim is a guy we would like to see at Stormers, and he would like to come to Stormers, but he is under contract with the Lions.'

He added that although some negotiations are taking place, they do not correspond to the figures mentioned, and that there is a general lack of transfer fee culture in rugby. Dobson emphasized that any possible move would be made exclusively between the player and his current union, confirming Stormers' respect for Ped's contractual obligations to the Lions.

The urgency related to the scrumhalf position arose against the backdrop of Imaad Khan's unfortunate injury. This energetic young player, who showed outstanding play last season, suffered a serious knee injury, which will sideline him for most of the URC season.

Dobson acknowledged: 'His injury is a terrible blow. I hoped this would be his breakout season.'

He noted that an ACL injury is very severe, as it is difficult to remain part of the group while using crutches. Nevertheless, he expressed hope for Khan's early return by April, saying that 'this kid is special.'

Since Khan is unavailable, Stormers are relying on backup players such as Ezekiel Ngobeni, as well as short-term solutions within the squad. The franchise signed Andre Warner, a former scrumhalf for the Bulls and Lions, on loan from the Seattle Seawolves of Major League Rugby, where he trains with the Cape Town team during the off-season.