Stormers coach John Dobson cut a much-happier figure after his side claimed a 17-7 victory over the Jaguares to continue their unbeaten start to the season. DYLAN JACK reports.
The Stormers went four-for-four as they produced a solid showing to beat the Jaguares at Newlands, remaining the only side yet not to lose a game in the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season.
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Their start has certainly not been perfect. It was something Dobson himself emphasised in the buildup to Saturday’s match, expressing his concern over their performances.
However, he was far happier with his charges this weekend as, despite not taking every chance on offer, they had most of the momentum and possibly could have a bonus point if their luck was better.
‘I was frustrated last week because I thought that we won the game with character,’ Dobson said. ‘We are much happier tonight. It may not be so easy to see. Watching replays, yes, we had to grind it out but I thought our processes were much better.
‘Our set piece was solid, our breakdown was superb, ball retention was good against a team that was going to hack the ball and make us start in our 22.
‘In terms of the stuff that we wanted to improve, we were quantifiably better. Losing four turnovers in their 22 in the first half was a bit frustrating.
‘That was a really good team and their tactics were good. To be honest, we are pretty pleased with that performance. Maybe those long passes from the flyhalf to a tight forward in the rain, we got that tactically wrong. But generally on a dry day, with that amount of territory and possession, I was pretty pleased.
‘Without being arrogant, I thought we thoroughly deserved to win that game. The frustration was at half time that the score was only 3-0. So, hopefully that is where we are going.
‘I know at round two it does not matter, but at round four we are the only unbeaten team and still not playing to our potential. It was certainly a big step up for me.’
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
