Stormers balance URC goals with hopes for Springbok squad ahead of Ulster match

The Stormers team managed to defeat the Scarlets with a score of 52-40 in the Whitefield Rugby Championship (URC) match held on Saturday. However, Rugby Director John Dobson admitted that losing all three hookers during the game created a serious crisis for the Cape-based team.

Despite the home team securing bonus points at the DHL stadium, they had to face an unusual problem after all their specialized hookers were injured, which left the team without options for positional control.

Dobson had prepared contingency plans for the loss of two hookers, but he never anticipated a scenario where all three would be unavailable during the contest. This is exactly what happened when Andre-Ugo Winter, Dion Fury, and young Lukahno Wokozela sustained injuries.

Dobson commented on the injuries, noting: 'I try to avoid commenting on having a crisis, but it's hard not to mention it, isn't it? I agree with you about the word 'strange'—it was absolutely strange.' He expressed great gratitude to captain Paul de Villiers and his team for maintaining composure in a difficult situation.

He added: 'I really liked it because I had a good backup plan in case we lost both hookers, but I never thought about losing three, you see? Dion was the third, so losing three hookers leaves us with no options for set-piece play. It is a crisis. But I am grateful for how they finished this game.'

Dobson provided further information on the injured players, clarifying that their protective pads flew out like pinball. According to him, eighth player Hajiva Daimani definitely cannot feature in the next match against Ulster. Wokozela must undergo a second Head Injury Assessment (HIA) before being cleared to play, however, scrum-half Kobus Reinhart and winger Seabelo Senatla passed the relevant HIA tests. Winter, he said, suffered a relatively serious elbow injury, and Fury damaged his hamstring.

'It was not the best day for us in terms of injuries,' he concluded. If Wokozela passes the second HIA test, he can play alongside Vernon Paulo. However, if he is ruled out, Dobson reported that they might have to look for a temporary replacement. Another Stormers hooker, J.J. Kotze, remains suspended following a high tackle.

Dobson also expressed regret over his team's weak defense but praised the Scarlets for how they fought in their style of play. The Stormers mentor added that at halftime, 'there was little hope for them,' as his team was leading 33-14. Nevertheless, he noted that the Scarlets' style of play deserved respect, as they began to gain hope after the break. He emphasized that the team was not direct enough, and in the past, such moments could lead to a loss. He urged the team not to become too complacent because they might not be playing against one of the top URC teams or if it is not a local derby, insisting that such trends must be stopped.

The Stormers team intends to test its strategy, which combines young players with experienced veterans, in the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) matches. As November approaches, the Cape Town-based team is set to play against the Scarlets on Saturday at the DHL Stadium, where several experienced players and Springboks representatives will be absent.

Next week, playing against Ulster, the team's management, particularly rugby director John Dobson, will continue working to align all players with the team's tactical objectives. Nevertheless, there is a significant risk that such large-scale changes could backfire, leaving the Stormers vulnerable on Saturday. Despite this, the team remains strong and should defeat the Scarlets, who have never managed to beat the Stormers in the URC.

Before the match, John Dobson stated that he considers the current squad one of the most progressive in Stormers history. He noted that from a long-term perspective, the team is managing to build a squad without compromising quality. Dobson emphasized that this is a progressive team with a progressive young captain, and that selecting international players is a very bold move.

He specifically highlighted the potential of young athletes: 'Zack Porthen (tighthead) has a bright future. Olly Reed (backup left prop) is a player who makes us very happy. We believe Markus (Muller) will become a very good number 12. I know he can play both positions right now. We obviously love Yaqeen (Ahmed, winger), and Riley Norton (utility forward) completes the quartet of young players in the squad.'

New midfielder Hashim Pead will partner winger Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the starting midfield six. This combination, eagerly awaited by Stormers fans, along with Muller and outside centre Vandisile Simelane, could be the catalyst for the Cape Town team's attack if they can quickly establish chemistry.

Another young player, Jonathan Roach, performed well at inside centre alongside captain Ruhan Nel and Simelane. Although Dobson wanted to keep Roach in the midfield, he was forced to leave the game after sustaining a concussion during the match against Bristol.

This exclusion created an opportunity for Muller, although he had previously played only slightly over 10 minutes for Stormers against Glasgow Warriors late last season. Dobson explained that they wanted to give Marcus a chance since he had only played 14 minutes against Glasgow. He also clarified that Jonathan Roach was not included due to the concussion, refuting rumors that he was considering other career options. Dobson expressed satisfaction that Roach's agent debunked these rumors, adding that Jonathan's absence was solely due to the concussion.

Springboks flanker Paul de Villiers will lead the Stormers for the second consecutive time, debuting as captain in the United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Scarlets on Saturday afternoon at DHL Stadium (the match starts at 16:00).

De Villiers took the helm after injured captain Rohan Nel sustained a calf strain before the team's championship cup victory over Bristol Bears with a score of 49:12 last year. Now he intends to use this momentum in the URC match.

Although the game against Bristol was his debut as senior captain, De Villiers previously led the Junior Springboks and has leadership experience. This season he has also taken on a more responsible role in the Cape Town club and is one of the forwards who interacts with the referee when Nel is in the backline and far from the action.

In the absence of Bok Siya Kolisi and Damian Willemse, the fatcher will rely on players such as number eight Hakijiva Daimani, flanker Evan Roos, playmaker Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, winger Seabelo Senatla, and fullback Warrick Gelant to act as senior voices for advice when necessary.

Before the resumption of URC matches, De Villiers stated that he does not want the captaincy role to affect his play. He naturally hopes to get more opportunities in the Springboks squad before the November matches in the Northern Hemisphere, so maintaining his excellent form in ball retention and possession remains his main priority.

De Villiers noted: 'I will try to ensure that this captaincy role does not affect my own play.' He added: 'It is important to me. I just want to feel comfortable in this position with the group and the team and connect with them. I think we did well collectively last weekend, especially with our discipline and how we responded to the coaching staff's messages during the break.' He expressed hope: 'I hope we can do it from the first whistle on Saturday and meet the plans and what we want to achieve. I am very excited about how this will turn out. We are surrounded by leaders, and that makes things easier, especially last weekend against Bristol.'

According to De Villiers, he is happy to face Scarlets, who may present a different challenge in the URC.

The Stormers remain undefeated at home after two games and intend to dominate this encounter to maintain this winning streak before the final home match against Ulster next week, ahead of the November break.