The Stormers are relishing the challenge of facing Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup last 16, writes LINDIZ VAN ZILLA.
John Dobson’s side saw off Edinburgh 33-14 in a Vodacom URC clash at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night to cement second place on the standings.
Attention now shifts to the south of France and a formidable test against a star-studded Toulon outfit that Dobson described as a “glitterati of a team”.
“We want to respect this competition and we want to go as far as we can,” he said. “No South African team has made a semi-final, so that’s something we’re very aware of.”
The Stormers head to France on the back of a strong run of form and with increased squad depth compared to previous seasons.
“A couple of years ago, we probably wouldn’t have had the capacity,” Dobson said. “Now, despite the injuries, I feel like we’ve got a bit more depth and the ability to go full-out for this.”
“It’s a really good Toulon team,” he added. “They’ve got a strong scrum and they’re very fast. That caught us when we played them before … just how quick they are across the park.
“But what an experience for us. It’ll be a part of our growth. We’ll give it a full go. A full, full crack.”
The teams last met in round one of the 2024-25 Champions Cup in Gqeberha, when the French side won 24-14.
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Asked what it would take to win at the Stade Mayol, Dobson quipped: “Venus to align with Uranus and Saturn!
“But seriously, our set-piece will be crucial. We pride ourselves on our scrum, but they’re one of the best in France.
“I don’t think we’re going to grind them down with that size of pack. We’re not going to grind out something like we did tonight [against Edinburgh].
“They win every scrum battle. I think they’re No 2 in France. We are going to have to spin and win.
“The contestable kicking game could also be an area we can use. But we’re going to have to get into that transition to play with a bit of freedom.”
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Stormers captain Ruhan Nel said: “I spoke to the referees downstairs [after the Edinburgh game] and they said it’s quite an experience to play Toulon.
“Even playing them in the Eastern Cape a couple of years ago, just to face a French team of that magnitude, was a special occasion for us. To have them now on their home field in front of their home crowd, is going to be something special.”
The Stormers can call on the experience gained from the last time they were in the south of France in December when they came away with an impressive 26-17 win over Bayonne.
The Stormers beat Bayonne, La Rochelle and the Leicester Tigers to finish third in Pool 3. Their only loss came against Harlequins away when they sent a weakened team.
PLAY: Investec Champions Cup game centre
Investec Champions Cup round of 16 (SA times)
Friday, 3 April
Northampton Saints vs Castres (9pm)
Saturday, 4 April
Bath vs Saracens (4pm)
Toulon vs Stormers (4pm)
Glasgow Warriors vs Bulls (6:30pm)
Toulouse vs Bristol Bears (6:30pm)
Harlequins vs Sale Sharks (9pm)
Sunday, 5 April
Bordeaux Bègles vs Leicester Tigers (4pm)
Leinster vs Edinburgh (6:30pm)
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Dobbo: Stormers going ‘full-out’ to beat Toulon appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
