Dobson overhauls Stormers for Cardiff clash

THE Stormers took a calculated risk with their team to face Cardiff on Friday to ensure all their players in contention for the playoffs will have sufficient rugby minutes under their belt when the knockouts take place.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

John Dobson, director of rugby, made plenty of changes to his side for the final round-robin United Rugby Championship (URC) duel at the DHL Stadium (7pm kick-off). It will likely also be the Cape side's final home game.

While Dobson admitted the changes could affect their momen-tum after some brilliant games in the previous couple of weeks, he added they've worked hard over the last week to create synergy within the extended squad.

This, he hopes, will be enough to fuel the side to a victory over a tricky and “desperate” Cardiff, who still harbours ambitions of making the playoffs.

The Stormers are in fifth place and two points from the game will seal that position. But, it could be a long wait until Saturday evening, when Leinster hosts Glasgow, to find out who they will face in the playoffs.

Nevertheless, Dobson wants a squad of 27 players to select from when it comes to the playoffs, and the Cardiff clash will give players on the outskirts the opportunity to play themselves into contention.