John Dobson urged the DHL Stormers to “look at the bigger picture” despite feeling miserable after relinquishing the Vodacom United Rugby Championship title to Munster on Saturday night.
The Stormers were left thinking about what might have been after they were pipped to the post by Munster and missed out on the chance of claiming back-to-back titles in front of a sold-out DHL Stadium.
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After holding the 14-12 lead for most of the second half, the Stormers conceded a 74th-minute try that saw Munster claim a third straight away win and earn their first piece of major silverware since 2011.
“It’s hard for us now. It’s very, very tough,” said an emotional Dobson after the match.
“We really wanted to win this cup, but we’ve got to try and be disciplined and look at the bigger picture. I told the players to try save the tears for the pillow later, because we did something special.
“We know there was an error or two in the final five or six minutes, but we’re not going to hang anyone out for that. That’s just not our style.”
Outgoing Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff, who made his final appearance before his upcoming move to Ulster, was also left glum.
“When that final whistle blew, it felt like it wasn’t meant to happen like this,” the loosehead prop said. “I felt that we were totally in control of the second half and that we were on top of Munster and that they were scrambling trying to keep us out.
“When that final whistle went, it was just trying to hold the tears back.
“I’m extremely proud of what the guys have achieved during the season. The result tonight is very disappointing, but the guys can hold their heads up high.”
Despite the emotions, Dobson said the Stormers can still be proud of their efforts this season, as they built on their incredible run in the 2021-22 season by hosting a second successive final.
“We wanted to increase our depth, prove we belong at the top table of European rugby and increase a sense of belonging for everybody in the group. It was just about making Cape Town smile,” Dobson said.
“It’s a weird one because we’ve ticked off our goals, yet we’re here feeling miserable and there will be tears later.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images