Stormers head coach John Dobson has said that Cardiff Rugby are the ‘easiest’ opponent in the play-offs ahead of their clash on Saturday.

Cardiff beat the Stormers 22-16 at the Cardiff Arms Park two weeks ago to confirm their qualification to the United Rugby Championship play-offs.

That result meant that the Welsh side finished the league phase of the URC season in sixth, with the Stormers in third.

“It’s probably the easiest of the quarter-finals,” the Stormers director of rugby told CapeTalk.

Dobson’s comments were explained by the fact that they avoided Munster, Connacht, and Lions.

Munster won the URC in 2023, while Connacht beat the Stormers in Cape Town in April. The Lions are a fierce domestic rival of the Stormers.

“If we won in Cardiff, we would have played the Lions and I think we’d be a lot more angst-ridden than we are about Cardiff,” he said.

“It sounds arrogant and presumptuous, but I think if I was to choose a quarter-finalist, it’s the first time they have been in a quarter-final so I would probably choose them.”

Wales wing Josh Adams said that Cardiff will take Dobson’s assessment with “a pinch of salt” while boss Van Zyl stressed that the home side will be feeling the heat.

“It makes it even better,” said Van Zyl when asked about the Stormers boss’ comments.

“It’s a nice little challenge and it will come down to the 80 minutes and hopefully the boys can perform well.

“With Stormers’ last few results after starting the season so well, the pressure was on us last time at Cardiff Arms Park, but that has moved a little bit now.”

Cardiff’s excellent league form has been built on their formidable home form – winning 10 of 11 games at the Arms Park in all competitions – but have won just once outside of Wales this season.

“I know people will be writing us off, but we will have a good crack at it and see what happens,” van Zyl added.

A positive for Cardiff is the return of some key internationals from injury, even if lock Teddy Williams and fly-half Callum Sheedy are not ready to return yet.

Josh Adams, Alex Mann, Josh McNally, and Mason Grady are all in line to return for the clash.

“It’s massive to have them back and ready for selection because they are experienced and have been a big part in what we have done this season,” said Van Zyl.

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