Dobson credits measured game plan as Stormers demolish log-leaders Glasgow 48-12

Stormers 48-12 Glasgow Warriors

A disciplined, set-piece-driven performance saw the Stormers dismantle URC log-leaders Glasgow Warriors 48-12 at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, with coach John Dobson crediting sharper decision-making and a more controlled approach after last week's 33-24 defeat to Connacht.

"Last week we were desperate and forced things, shovelling inferior ball," Dobson said. "This week we applied pressure. We knew we could put some pressure on set-piece wise and that was effective. We didn't need to create the magic against Glasgow, so that helped."

Dobson was unapologetic about the conservative approach his side took. "If you're saying we played conservatively, then yes, probably. It was more like playoff rugby. I thought the decision-making was excellent."

The six-try performance came on the back of a difficult week for the squad following the Connacht loss, which itself came in the shadow of the death of long-serving team manager Chippie Solomon. Dobson pushed back firmly on critics who questioned the Connacht display. "To understand what this team was going through, or what Chippie meant to us and to this organisation, and to expect those guys to perform normally is a lack of humanity in my mind."

Captain Ruhan Nel echoed that sentiment, acknowledging the criticism had also served as added fuel. "We embrace criticism after the Connacht defeat, but there was a lack of understanding about what we went through. I feel like there was a lack of respect, a lack of understanding towards the team. That also was part of the motivation this week that put a bit of anger in us."

Muller makes his bow

The result was given an added dimension when 18-year-old prop Markus Muller came off the bench with 14 minutes remaining for his debut, drawing a notable response from the Cape Town Stadium crowd. Dobson said the moment underscored the Stormers' commitment to their development pathway.

"That noise was so cool. It makes me proud of the crowd because it shows they're informed and enthusiastic," Dobson said. "He didn't have much ball in hand, but his defence was really, really good. He stayed alive in the system and handled it well. It's important for us to show there's a pathway. If you come through the system, you'll get an opportunity."

Dobson added he would have preferred to give Muller more time on the field but was constrained by a shortage of backs on the bench at one point during the match.

Reinach injury clouds win

The afternoon was soured by the sight of Cobus Reinach leaving the field in the 60th minute with what appears to be a significant knee injury. Dobson confirmed Reinach had not yet been scanned but was in a brace and was unlikely to return quickly.

"I don't see that being a quick turnaround," Dobson said. "It looks like a ligament, possibly medial. Hopefully it's not an ACL, but it's serious enough to keep him out for a while."

Other URC results

Elsewhere in the URC, the Bulls claimed a narrow 23-21 road win over Scarlets, while the Lions beat Connacht 33-21. The Sharks, however, fell 33-28 to Edinburgh.