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

Loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon from the Springboks has recovered from concussion symptoms and is expected to be available for the Stormers' first match in the United Rugby Championship (URC) against Connacht in Galway on Friday.

This player will be a significant boost for the Cape Town team, which is preparing for physical play and running tactics from the hosts at Dexcom Stadium (the match starts at 20:45 South African time).

Assistant coach Dawie Snyman confirmed on Tuesday that Dixon is part of the squad in Ireland. He previously missed the Boks' trip to Baltimore due to a concussion and was consequently not selected for the trip to Australia for the friendly match against the Wallabies on Sunday.

Nevertheless, new opportunities open up for this forward as he can start the URC campaign with the Stormers, who aim to replicate their undefeated season last year, which lasted eight matches in the tournament.

Dawie Snyman noted: 'We have a full squad of healthy players, and everyone is available for selection before Friday.'

Stormers' Goals During the Tour

Snyman emphasized that having a full week of preparation after the team's early arrival was beneficial. He added that on Monday, the players still lacked some strength after the flight, but the opportunity to recover and prepare for Friday was valuable.

He also warned that regardless of whether they play at home or away, the start of the season always involves mistakes in the first two games. He stated that some things will go well, and others will not, as the team is still adapting to minor changes in game plan.

The main goal of the team is to gain as many points as possible during this tour. The plan is for the team to quickly get into the game and earn points in the next two matches.

Snyman described Connacht as a team that likes to attack by hand and is capable of frustrating the defense. Therefore, the task for the Stormers will be to actively engage in contact and control the hosts' runners, especially in the defensive line.

Opportunities in the Halfback Position

Due to the internal centre Dan du Plessis signing a contract abroad, and Damian Willemse playing for the Springboks, there may be some adjustments in the halfback position. Captain Ruhan Nel needs a new centre partner, and depending on whether he plays at number 12, the Stormers have a choice between young player Markus Muller, who shone in the Currie Cup, or experienced Wandisile Simelane.

However, Nel is the linchpin in the Cape Town team's defensive line and is best suited for the outside centre position. This means Johnny Roché could take this position on the inside. Furthermore, the Stormers announced the signing of halfback André Warner on a six-month loan from the American team Seattle Seawolves. Warner will bring significant experience in the absence of Springbok Cobus Reinach. Young Lions player, No 9 Haashim Pead, is returning to Cape Town and should soon join the team.

Stormers captain Ruan Nel stated that the team is set on revenge in the upcoming match against Connacht as the new United Rugby Championship (URC) season kicks off on Friday evening.

UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

The Stormers team begins its URC campaign against Connacht on Friday evening with a mission of retribution. The match, which will take place in Galway (starting at 20:45), will give the visitors a chance to start the season with a victory over the team they defeated last season, as well as inflict an early defeat on one of the Irish clubs that slowed their ambitions.

After reaching the semi-finals and coming close to the final, the Cape Town team hopes to start the new phase with a clean slate, aiming to repeat their success at the beginning of the URC season last year.

Ruan Nel commented on the trip to Galway, noting: 'Connacht is a difficult place to play, and I think they will break many teams there this season.' He added that a successful start in Galway would be a good beginning. He also mentioned the previous meeting at the DHL Stadium, calling it very tough for them, after which they conceded two unusual halves.

'So we will try to get revenge on their ground (on Friday),' Nel stated.

According to Nel, new players Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, and Vilko Lowe are eager to join the squad. They briefly interacted during the photoshoot for the new jerseys, and the captain believes this trio will bring huge benefits to the group.

However, he emphasized that the human factor, especially among the senior Springbok players, will likely be the most important element. He believes this will help them achieve their goal—to win the URC for the first time since its inception.

Nel clarified that, unlike some teams that might only aim to make the top eight to participate in the Champions Cup, Stormers are targeting victory in both tournaments and want to be competitive in both leagues. He noted that many familiar players have returned to the squad, and they have formed a truly excellent group striving to win major trophies.

'We are very happy to play the first match in black kit. We would like to replicate this style, but the game has evolved, and everything has changed a bit. There is a certain responsibility associated with playing in the 'Men in Black' kit, but we will not create unnecessary pressure on ourselves or deviate from our identity and what makes us strong,' he concluded.

Damian Willemse, a player for the Springboks team, noted another significant achievement following South Africa's historic series of victories over the All Blacks with a score of 3:1 in Baltimore.

Willemse, who has already won two Rugby World Cup medals and participated in the triumph of the British & Irish Lions, added another notable chapter to his international career. He played a key role in the match that concluded the series, securing a 43:28 victory in Baltimore, despite missing the second game due to injury.

At only 28 years old, he has achieved more than most players throughout their careers, but he dedicated his success to the favorable environment and the privilege of wearing the 'green and gold'. Willemse stated: 'This is something special. When you step onto the field representing the Springboks, and the Springboks are in your heart, you just want to go out there and make everyone proud—your teammates, your family, and South Africa.'

He continued that it is a dream come true for him: 'When I go out there with all my friends and buddies, it's a dream come true. So this victory belongs not only to us; it belongs to South Africa as well.'

The achievement was even more valuable because the Springboks managed to turn the tide of the series after losing the first test match at Ellis Park stadium. After losing in Johannesburg with a score of 33:16, which led to a loss of the number one spot in the world rankings, South Africa secured three consecutive wins: in Cape Town (33:26), Soweto (29:24), and finally in Baltimore, to win the series 3:1.

Willemse believes that the failure in the first match helped the group take a close look at themselves and provoke the desired reaction. He noted: 'Obviously, after the first match and after that defeat, I think there were certain areas and parts of our game that we needed to work on, which we probably weren't focusing on as much.'

He added that this allowed the team to internally analyze the situation, help each other, improve play, and gain confidence. Willemse thanked the coaching staff for developing the plans and solutions that brought the team back into momentum after the first match. He emphasized that it was a huge moment, especially for many players for whom this was one of the first major series, and they will continue to develop using the positive experience and confidence gained.

The final match in Baltimore was very tense, and the All Blacks tried to level the score after halftime, increasing the pace and trying to unsettle the world champions. However, South Africa's defense repeatedly repelled the opponent's attacks near the try line, keeping the rivals at bay. Willemse was particularly proud of how the team responded to the pressure from New Zealand before halftime and was delighted that they maintained their composure.