Stormers wary of 'British Bulldog'

John Dobson and Ruhan Nel acknowledged the threat on Saturday, when the Stormers and Bristol Bears clash for the first time in the Investic Champions Cup.

The Stormers bounced back to winning ways in the URC last week at Cape Town Stadium, and will host the English outfit in week one of rugby’s premier club competition.

Dobson told reporters on Tuesday that Pat Lam’s Bristol are a well organised and rounded outfit when they click.

“They’re a team that can turn it on. I know Pat Lam, who I coached with at the Barbarians … He’ll want to have a crack at us.

“They came here and won at Loftus, which is not an easy place to go,” the Stormers boss added, referencing the Bears’ 61-49 win over the Bulls last term.

“They’ve always been a deep attacking team, but I’m seeing more dog in their defence, a lot more competition at the breakdown, and a lot more direct in the 22 than maybe they were a while ago with the pick-and-goes.

“Their maul is the best in the Premiership at the moment, which is not something we associate with Bristol. They’re going to keep our diaries full, especially defensively.”

Dobson expected Lam to field close to his strongest team having rested several players in last week’s 30-7 defeat by Saracens, highlighting their grit and determination.

“Only one time we got away from an English side – Sale Sharks two years ago, we put 40-odd on them.

“They’re organised and they show a real British Bulldog, and it’ll be exactly the same from Bristol. Watching their Premiership … it’s almost Any Given Sunday stuff.”

The Bears are currently sixth in the Premiership after two wins and a loss this season, yet Nel stressed the need for patience in defence against the visitors.

The skipper emphasised the likes of Wales speedster Louis Rees-Zammit’s ability to beat defenders, as well as cautioning his men against trying to force things on attack.

“They’ve got a real attacking mentality. They stretch the passes, they’ll force an offload here and there,” Nel explained.

“It’s a lot more one-on-ones that they’re trying to create, featuring their good athletes. If they can get those guys into space, you’re really out for a long day.

“It’s about staying patient within the system and letting the system bail you out instead of making individual massive plays.”