Stormers coach John Dobson expressed the opinion that South African teams must demonstrate a higher level of play in the Champions Cup this season to refute criticism from European teams who question their right to participate in the tournament.
Dobson noted that clubs such as French and English ones make remarks about the insufficient respect of South African teams for the tournament itself. Therefore, he wishes for one of these teams to reach at least the semi-final stage. At the same time, he believes that the stakes in this competition go beyond purely sporting results.
He stated: 'We need a South African team that reaches the semi-finals or finals this season. We want to respect this tournament, and the way to do that is to perform well in it.' Furthermore, he emphasized that 'this is a prestigious tournament. We want to test ourselves against the best teams in the world. We aim to be part of the top league of world rugby, so we desperately want to remain a part of it.'
Moreover, Dobson believes that the Champions Cup brings significant benefits to the local rugby scene, even though South African fans are still getting used to the traditions and composition of elite European clubs.
He added: 'I think our choice for the public here in Cape Town would look poorer without this and without our participation.' He also mentioned that 'it's a year after the White Rugby Championship with the South African public. People now know who the Ospreys are, but we have never played against Bristol. We have never played against Bordeaux. There is a constant learning process around this tournament.'
The Stormers team will face English rugby when they play against Bristol in Cape Town on Saturday (at 16:15). Dobson knows that this team is capable of inflicting serious damage. Last season, the Bears shocked the Bulls with a score of 61-49 at Loftus Versfeld stadium, showing their ability to turn a match into an attacking contest.
'This is a team that can get involved in the game. I know Pat Lam, with whom I trained in the Barbarians. He will want to fight us,' said Dobson. He analyzed the opponent's playing style, noting that while they have always been an excellent attacking team, their defense now shows more aggression, more competition at the breakdown, and greater directness in the 22-meter zone compared to the previous use of pick-and-go.
'Their maul is currently the best in the Premiership, which is not what we associate with Bristol. They will keep our calendars full, especially in defense.' Dobson also noted that English teams usually combine tactical discipline with stubbornness, making them difficult to beat.
He recalled the only time they managed to pull away from an English club: 'That was two years ago against Sale Sharks; we scored them about 40 points.' Dobson concluded that English teams are well-organized and display true British tenacity, and this will be the case with Bristol. Commenting on the famous sporting drama, he said that watching their Premiership resembles 'Any Given Sunday.'
