Stormers boss stresses importance of Edinburgh clash

For a second consecutive week in the URC, The Stormers will open the weekend's fixtures as they take on Edinburgh at Hive Stadium. 

The cape side opened their campaign with a 29-15 victory over Connacht last week Friday in Galway. 

Dobson says last week’s win, in what he described as challenging conditions, has shown what is possible heading into tonight’s match, before the squad travels back to South Africa, where they will play their next three URC games at home. 

"We didn't budget for two wins on the bounce in these conditions on these 4G pitches, but having done it against a very good side last week, now we really do have hope. We have a big opportunity in this game because if we get this right we get to attack our next four home games."

READ: John Dobson hails Siya Kolisi's impact ahead of Stormers return

The 56-year-old touched on the much-talked-about and controversial 4G pitches, saying it is a surface that they have to become more accustomed to. Hive Stadium where Edinburgh plays its home games, installed this synthetic 4G artificial turf pitch…

"Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast all feel very similar. Now we have had two weeks of prep on the 4G surface even though that it came at a certain price. We have to get more used to it in all aspects, from the bounce of the ball, to the momentum around the carry, and the toll it takes on the body."

Notable absentees from the Stormers match-day squad include Springbok duo Damian Willemse and Deon Fourie. Dobson confirmed that after returning from the national team, where they played in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against New Zealand and a one-off Test against Australia last weekend, they were given time off to rest. Stormers new recruit and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, however, starts at blindside flanker, and Dobson says Kolisi made a real effort to join the side insisting the two-time Rugby World Cup captain wanted to connect with his new team.