Cape Town – In a move that signals a willingness to explore unconventional solutions, the Stormers are seeking expertise from the world of Australian Rules Football to bolster their aerial game. Head coach John Dobson has brought in Steven Morris, a former assistant coach and player with the Richmond Football Club, for a short-term consultancy aimed at improving the team’s ability to compete under the high ball. This comes ahead of a crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on February 28th.
The decision follows a tactical setback in a recent derby match against the Sharks, where the Stormers were outmaneuvered in the air, with superior kicking and aerial pressure proving decisive. Dobson believes that the unique demands of Aussie Rules, a sport renowned for its spectacular aerial contests, offer a valuable perspective on how to improve in this key area of the game. The Stormers are currently seventh in the URC standings, with six wins and three losses and are looking to solidify their position as contenders.
Aussie Rules Insights for Rugby Skies
Dobson explained the rationale behind the unusual appointment to Netwerk24, highlighting the sheer volume of aerial duels in Australian Rules Football. “What people don’t realise about Aussie rules is that there are about 400 kicks in a game and there are usually between 150 and 180 aerial contests,” he said. This high frequency of contested marks, as they are known in AFL, provides a rich training ground for skills applicable to rugby’s increasingly aerial-focused tactics.
The shift towards contestable kicking in 15-man rugby has forced teams to adapt quickly. No longer is it enough to simply catch the ball cleanly; teams must also be prepared for the ensuing “scraps” – the chaotic contests that erupt when a catch isn’t secured. Dobson emphasized the importance of reacting effectively in these situations, both on attack and defense. “It’s not just about catching the ball cleanly, but also about what happens when it spills loose after an aerial contest,” he explained. “There are far more high balls being kicked now and many of them aren’t caught cleanly.”
Beyond the Catch: Reacting to the Contest
Morris’s role will extend beyond simply refining catching technique. He will focus on the skills needed to win the contest *after* the initial catch attempt, including body positioning, timing, and the ability to secure possession in a crowded environment. This is a critical aspect of the modern game, where teams are increasingly adept at turning over possession through aggressive aerial challenges. The Stormers’ recent struggles in this area prompted the search for a fresh perspective, leading them to explore the expertise available in a different sporting code.
The Stormers’ willingness to consider outside the box reflects a broader trend in professional rugby, where teams are increasingly open to adopting strategies and techniques from other sports. This cross-pollination of ideas can provide a competitive edge, particularly in areas where traditional rugby training methods may have reached a plateau. Dobson’s team has already demonstrated a commitment to innovation, as evidenced by their success in the Investec Champions Cup, where they have secured victories over Bayonne and Stade Rochelais.
Dobson Praises Team Spirit and Recent Signings
The coaching staff’s focus on improvement isn’t limited to aerial skills. Dobson has also praised the team’s resilience and work ethic, noting that they “don’t have a squad full of large names. It’s just a bunch of guys willing to work for each other and do the ugly, unseen stuff.” This team-first mentality has been a key factor in their recent success, including a 34-27 victory over the Lions in Cape Town on December 22, 2025, as reported by The Herald.
The Stormers have also been active in the transfer market, recently signing Paulo, a move that Dobson discussed in detail, as noted by sarugbymag.co.za. These additions are intended to strengthen the squad’s depth and provide further competition for places. Former Leinster CEO, Mick Dawson, recently commented that the Stormers are “making the right moves,” according to sarugbymag.co.za, suggesting a positive trajectory for the Cape Town-based franchise.
The Stormers will need to demonstrate significant improvement in their aerial game if they hope to challenge for the URC title. The upcoming match against the Lions in Johannesburg on February 28th will be a crucial test of their progress, and a key indicator of whether Morris’s expertise can translate into tangible results on the field. The team will then return to Cape Town to prepare for their next URC fixture, with details to be announced by the league in the coming days.
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