Stormers coach Dobson pinpoints costly lineout failures in Edinburgh defeat

The Cape side struggled badly on their own throw, surrendering possession 10 times and managing just a 57% success rate throughout the match.

Their struggles were compounded by the first-half loss of starting hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, who left the field for an HIA. Replacement Vernon Paulo found life difficult, losing six consecutive lineouts at one stage.

The Stormers had a chance to go for the win in the dying minutes but twice kicked the ball away amid their ongoing lineout woes in what was a farcical finish to the match.

"From our side, we don't have to look too much beyond our performance in the lineout. We lost 11. You can't win a game if your plan in those conditions is based around the maul," Dobson admitted afterwards.

"The loss of Vennas was a big loss, not just lineout-wise. He's one of our best players.

"It was frustrating that he wasn't allowed to return to the field, but that's the protocol, so we have to respect that.

"Despite the lost lineouts, to be only 3-0 down at half-time and then get the lead...

"Then there were one or two poor moments of discipline at the breakdown, and they converted every opportunity they got."

Dobson admitted they had cost themselves victory with the way they finished the match, echoing a similar late-season capitulation against Cardiff which ultimately cost them a top-two finish.

"I suppose we take six points from the tour, but this is a game we probably should have won," he added.

The Stormers will look to produce a more professional performance when they return to South Africa to take on the Sharks next weekend.

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