Put Stormers' pain into perspective
12/13/2024 12:18 AM
The DHL Stormers are doing nothing different from recent seasons, only John Dobson currently doesn't have the personnel to replicate what has made them successful, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that pundits must maintain perspective rather than react emotionally when assessing the team's current form.
He explains that the Cape outfit's struggles stem from an injury crisis, with 17 frontline players – including key Springboks – sidelined.
Dobson, as Stormers director of rugby, is relying on inexperienced players who lack the pedigree but not the heart to compete.
Keohane highlights that the Stormers' DNA has not changed since their Vodacom URC triumph in 2022. The difference lies in the absence of Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Damian Willemse and Evan Roos, who were pivotal in their title-winning campaign.
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Against Toulon in last week's Investec Champions Cup opener, only seven of the URC title-winning Stormers match-day 23 featured, underscoring the current challenges.
Despite losing three consecutive matches, Keohane praises the Stormers' resilience, particularly their near-win against a Springbok-laden Sharks outfit two weeks' ago.
"When I get asked what has changed from the glory night of the 18-13 URC final win against the Vodacom Bulls and the 24-14 defeat against Toulon a week ago, the answer is the squad," he writes.
"Not one title-winning starter from the pack played Toulon. Perspective … Please.
"The Stormers are doing nothing different than they did before, they just currently don't have the artillery to get consistent winning results. It is about perspective and not emotion.”
Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images
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