John Dobson - Stormers starting against Leinster, and addition of Griquas stars
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The Stormers are locked and loaded for the opening clash of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship when they host defending champions Leinster in Cape Town on Friday night.
Facing the Irish giants is something of a Catch-22 for the former champions. Whether or not Leinster are reigning title-holders, they are always a tough side to play, and ideally, you’d want to meet them with momentum already on your side. On the flip side, however, testing yourself against a team of Leinster’s calibre in round one is also a great yardstick of progress.
Coach John Dobson told OFM Sport that while the clash will be a stern test, it’s exactly the kind of challenge he prefers early in the season. However, he admitted that an opening defeat at home could have big consequences going forward.
Facing the Irish giants is something of a Catch-22 for the former champions. Whether or not Leinster are reigning title-holders, they are always a tough side to play, and ideally, you’d want to meet them with momentum already on your side. On the flip side, however, testing yourself against a team of Leinster’s calibre in round one is also a great yardstick of progress.
Coach John Dobson told OFM Sport that while the clash will be a stern test, it’s exactly the kind of challenge he prefers early in the season. However, he admitted that an opening defeat at home could have big consequences going forward.
