The Stormers have finished the URC round-robin stage on a hot streak, but the latest win over Cardiff was overshadowed by some degree as the result of the red card to superstar utility back Damian Willemse.
Willemse was sent from the field for a high hit on Cardiff winger Gabe Hamer-Webb, and when considering how strict the officiating has become when it comes to these sortS of infringements, it’s almost certain that the 27-year-old could face a ban for up to four weeks.
“I haven’t seen it enough to comment on what the impact is,” said Dobson of the Willemse high hit. “He was stuck. I don’t think he was trying to hit with the shoulder… I think he was trying to turn.
“The implications, I’m sure, are going to be poor for us. I’ve got no doubt. We can’t appeal until there is a decision. I don’t see them overturning that. It’s a disaster for us.”
Plenty for Stormers to be pleased about despite Damian Willemse blow
The Cape franchise will await the final outcome of Saturday’s matches to see whether they remain in South Africa for their quarter-final (which would then be against the Sharks) or travel to Scotland (to play Glasgow) at the end of the month.
“I was absolutely unequivocal that we wanted to go to Durban, and now I think we’re quite relaxed. This team will play whoever,” Dobson said.
“Obviously our goal was to host a quarter-final, so that’s a disappointment. I think we’re good enough to be in the top four despite our budget, and that’s got to be our goal for next season.”
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/stormers-coach-on-damian-willemse-its-a-disaster/
