Stormers coach not underestimating rampant Connacht

Stormers head coach John Dobson is under no illusion as to the challenge that awaits them when they face Connacht in Cape Town next week.

Buoyed by their superlative first-half performance, the Stormers rolled on to a 33-21 against the Bulls on Saturday, booking their place in the United Rugby Championship semifinals.

Irish club Connacht did them a favour on Friday, upsetting fellow countrymen Ulster, handing the Stormers home semifinal advantage thanks to their higher position on the table.

Despite this, Dobson is wary of a red-hot Connacht outfit.

"We were chatting about Connacht a couple of weeks ago and it's similar to what we say about ourselves," said Dobson, as per sarugbymag.co.za.

"As [Seabelo] Senatla says, they've got 'dawg' in them and they have. They won seven in a row. There is something there that is worrying: the way they fight, and their attack shape is really good.

Connacht have a great story, from a windy greyhound track in the far west with the smallest budget [in Ireland]. They don't go away. They will be tougher than we think.

"When you play in the semi-final, no matter who you play, it's going to be a very good team. They are tough opposition, but we can feel confident. With respect to Connacht, a team that has crossed the equator is useful opposition, compared to a team that has traveled from upcountry."

Reflecting on the Bulls clash, Dobson described the victory as one of the franchise's best over their northern rivals.

"In the context of our rivalry against the Bulls for the last while, it was one of our best," he continued.

"It was probably a bit better than the win in December (37-27). I was very pleased. We possibly could have got a bit more reward in the first half. We were irritated with ourselves and spoke about it at half time because they scored a try without making a pass, only because of our own poor discipline and a good maul by them. That™s always the danger with the Bulls.

œWe weren't at our best in the second half and I thought the Bulls played really well and showed character. We didn't implement our plan fully. We wanted to make the Bulls play catch up and we got that, but we didn't execute properly."