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Stormers coach John Dobson hailed his team’s leadership group after the defending champions fought hard to claim a 34-18 win over Edinburgh on Saturday.
Edinburgh started very well in the first half holding a 10-0 lead for much of the first stanza before leaving the door open for the Stormers to narrow the lead to 10-7 at half-time.
The Stormers found their feet in the second half, scoring their bonus-point try late in the game for the second week running.
Leaders influence
Dobson was delighted with how his leadership group, powered by skipper Marvin Orie, rallied the side to victory after being surprised by Edinburgh’s forward dominance.
“It was amazing leadership (Saturday),” Dobson said.
“I have to give Marvin (Orie) and his leadership group credit for the way we got back into the fight. Edinburgh really brought it.
“We didn’t expect that, I must be honest. We didn’t prepare the players properly for that forward thrust. We thought it would be more all-court.
“To stand up and get off the canvas like that was really special. It echoes last season. We didn’t hit our straps, but when we get more possession – which comes from discipline – then we will get better.”
Dobson said his side did not work hard enough at the beginning of the game and possibly paid for some players lacking match fitness.
“The game feels like last season. The only thing perhaps which I flagged, we didn’t work hard at the start of the game, which is unlike us.
“As (captain) Marvin pointed out, we paid a bit of rent (Saturday). Joseph (Dweba) hasn’t played much, Neethling (Fouche) hasn’t played much, Salmaan (Moerat) hasn’t played much.
“I don’t think we must read much into it. We will be much better for it.”
Roos in the spotlight
Meanwhile, superstar number eight Evan Roos was yellow carded for retaliating to his opposite number Nick Haining.
Orie protected his player by saying opposition players are trying to get in his head and that it is something he will learn to deal with as he matures.
“I spoke to him about that [incident],” said Orie. “We all know what a special player Evan is – he is unbelievably talented. In terms of what he has done last season and so far this season, he is sort of freakish.
“It is clearly a tactic from the opponents to try and get into his head. I think guys do that to try and get him off his game. It’s funny because when I was younger, I tried to do the same.
“He will get better with that. He is 22, so he has a bright future. He will learn with maturity and we are lucky to have him in our team and not against us. I’m sure he will sort that out.”
The Stormers have maximum points from their two games this season and travel to Italy to face Zebre Parma this weekend.
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