Clayton Blommetties. (Photo by THIERRY ZOCCOLAN / AFP)
- While the Stormers will carry out some soul searching, they believe there is reason for optimism after their Champions League debut ended in defeat against Clermont.
- Coach John Dobson argues that the way the team dominated the first half and was disappointed not to win is a sign that they belong to the best.
- Defense was a big problem for the Capetonians, especially in the second half.
The Stormers made no excuses for a humble European Champion Clubs’ Cup debut, which culminated in a 14-24 loss to Clermont, but encouragingly they realized that a loss doesn’t mean they can’t compete in this competition.
Indeed, during the first 40 minutes of the contest, John Dobson’s troops displayed many of the qualities that led them to last season’s inaugural URC title, controlling proceedings well to lead 14-3 at half time.
The change, however, was pronounced a sea change in Clermont’s tactics, as well as his execution, which caught the Stormers off guard.
Ironically, that’s actually a positive.
“This is the epicenter of French rugby with an incredible record and history and we are truly disappointed not to have won,” Dobson said.
“That shows we’re at the main table where we want to be. We know a little better now what it takes to win European games and theoretically our next three games shouldn’t be as tough as we just went through so that’s reason of optimism”.
READ | Stormers suffer another second half fade as Clermont roars to win the Champions Cup
But the implosion in the second half deserves some deep introspection.
“There were obvious mistakes, the knock-ons on our 22 and the kicks went straight out. That’s one element,” the Stormers mentor said.
“Where we were also poor is that we were imperious in the playable ones in the first half and then just not in the second half. Critically, we got softer on defense.
“Normally we’re known as a team that can really make reads and fly off the line to cut down running backs. They got too easy for our 15s and once they get the ball to your two 15s your forwards are on defense “. the midfield trying to stay on the side. That was really bad.
“We didn’t see a Ruhan Nel, Paul de Wet or Herschel Jantjies type of read on defense. Clermont took those yards and we were nervous with smart kicking play.”
Skipper Steven Kitshoff, who was one of the Stormers’ most solid players, echoed that sentiment.
“It’s a completely different style and approach that put us under pressure. We had problems executing and we have to look hard to find solutions,” said the Bok prop.
“In the second half we were exposed to clever kicking play and English Premiership teams should too, so our ability to win the ball back and set up an away run from there will be crucial.”
“There’s nothing wrong with our defensive system, it’s just the grit that wasn’t shown. Guys who usually make great defensive reads loosened up in this game. It’s a big step forward.”
While Dobson praised some “exceptional” performances, particularly from Deon Fourie, there are injury concerns among his second rowers and loose forwards.
Rookie lock Gary Porter kept going with a broken rib before being sent to hospital after the game, while Ernst van Rhyn went out early with a suspected knee injury.
The Stormers are back home for their matchup with the London Irish on Saturday.
