In his pre-match media conference ahead of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) clash on January 3, 2026, John Dobson explained the "noise" around Bok coaches assisting the Bulls.
Dobson acknowledged the struggling Bulls (currently 10th on the URC table and on a five-match losing streak) will be desperate and "more dangerous" due to their must-win situation, meaning the Stormers must be at their best to beat them.
Dobson clarified that the Stormers' concern was never about the Bulls' integrity or tactical input from the Springbok assistant coaches, but rather the potential psychological impact the announcement could have on players during game week.
“We weren’t worried about what the Bulls were doing, or whether SA Rugby was allowed to do it. Johan Ackermann is someone we respect enormously, and there was never any suspicion about what they were trying to achieve.”
“What was curious for us was the derby week aspect. You’ve got players who are desperate to become Springboks, and suddenly there’s a perception that Springbok coaches might be around one team in a big week.”
“It was confirmed on Sunday, but without clarity on when it would happen. If it had been confirmed as a long-term thing, or on tour, or later in the season, there would have been absolutely no issue.”
“That little bit of uncertainty on Monday morning did put a cloud over things. It became a distraction when it really didn’t need to be.”
Dobson said he did not think that meaningful coaching input could have occurred in such a short window period.
“They’ve come off a week off. Monday afternoon, Tuesday’s split day, Wednesday you’re moving fast, and then you’re done. You can’t change a team in a week, so that wasn’t the concern.”