John Dobson says his selection for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup last-16 clash against Toulon wasn’t influenced by form. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
Dobson has opted to start with Jurie Matthee at flyhalf with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu deployed off the bench, which he says is all part of a calculated plan to finish strong at the Stade Mayol.
“We thought guys like [lock] JD [Schickerling] and Sacha could make a helluva difference coming on. We just have to be careful with their load.
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“We also wanted to build a bit of capacity by giving Connor [Evans] and Jurie some rugby, so it was about building depth but also thinking how we want to finish this game.
“It’s up to the team that starts to make sure we’re in touch or in a good position to attack this game at the end with our bench.
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“There’s no element of merit of JD being dropped or Sacha or anything like that. It’s just that we felt this is the right game looking at some of the loads and the games we’ve got coming up over the next few weeks.”
The Stormers boss is also playing his cards close to his chest, opting against naming a broader travelling squad – a move aimed at limiting the information available to the opposition.
“Everyone seems to have stopped doing it. I know the Bulls did it this week, but it’s really died out. It just seems like an unnecessary way of giving the opposition information. We see when teams come to us, we have to sort of look on social media to try and work out who’s here.
“If you name the team earlier, I think it makes it a bit easier [for the opposition]. No question we’re trying to keep an element of surprise, can’t see the point in making it easier for the opposition to prepare.”
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Despite Toulon’s recent struggles in the Top 14 and a growing injury list, Dobson expects a formidable challenge from a squad packed with quality and depth.
“It’s a strong team. Even without one or two prominent guys injured, the size of their squad is incredible. [Flanker] Charles Ollivon was magnificent in the Six Nations for France whichever position he played and you don’t see many weaknesses across their team.
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“This is Toulon’s road to redemption. They’re not having the best Top 14, but [former England scrumhalf] Ben Youngs had these guys as dark horses for the competition and for us to lose by 20. So we’ve got no illusions about what people think the outcome’s going to be, but we’ll be giving them a pleasant surprise tomorrow – I have no doubt.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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