John Dobson and the DHL Stormers have set a standard of excellence with their remarkable achievements in the three-season history of the Vodacom URC, argues MARK KEOHANE.

Writing on his blog keo.co.za, Keohane applauds the Stormers’ 25-21 victory against the Sharks on Saturday, highlighting their performance without key players.

He acknowledges the coaching staff, particularly praising head coach Dobson, for their contribution to the team’s success and calls for recognition of the Capetonians’ achievements since 2021-22.

Despite the Sharks’ notable players and media strategies, Keohane argues that the Stormers outperformed them in Durban, while emphasising the Stormers’ impressive SA record in the URC, winning 16, drawing one, and losing one in 18 matches against the Vodacom Bulls, Sharks, and Lions.

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“What is significant is that this Stormers squad, in the history of the URC, has the most incredible South African record,” Keohane writes.

“In this time, Dobson’s Stormers, winners of the inaugural URC title, losing home finalists in the second final and hosts to six successive playoff matches in the first two seasons.

“The Stormers have done this, often without their current Test Springboks, and, in the first year, without many established Springboks, won matches, won the title and created many first-time Springboks.

“This was a big win and often the big wins and the great teams are only recognised in retirement. Applaud this squad now but in particular give praise to Dobson and his coaches.”