Dobson delighted after Dayimani sparkles again in Stormers' victory past Lions

Stormers head coach John Dobson was delighted after No 8 Hacjivah Dayimani produced another sparkling performance in their victory over the Lions in Cape Town on Saturday.

The New Year’s Eve 40-8 win kept the defending champions within touching distance of perennial pace horse Leinster atop the United Rugby Championship (URC) ladder.

The Stormers are just three points behind the log leaders in second place. But they can be confident of matching Irish giants if players such as Dayimani, Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse can maintain their current form.

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Dayimani, who some have talked up as a possible Springbok, was dynamite in the loose exchanges, igniting counter-attacks down the flanks and offloading giddily to his speedier backs.

The former Lions loose-forward has thrived in the Dobson gameplan but his coach says Dayimani has exceeded their expectations.

"That’s what we wanted from Hacjivah when we got him," Dobson said.

"He's probably exceeded our expectations. He’s magic at getting the ball away and keeping it alive. And you can’t coach his speed.

"I’m very happy with the way he’s going. He’s getting better at other aspects of his game that are tied in with the darker stuff: the defence, maul defence, lineout contesting and his own lineout is superb.

"We recognise his progress."

Dobson also showered praise on his skipper Steven Kitshoff, who he said marshalled the troops well in the absence of some notable Springboks.

"There’s credit to Steven [Kitshoff], too. We’ve taken three Springboks out of that pack – Evan Roos, Salmaan Moerat, Frans Malherbe – but we were still able to produce," said Dobson.

"It shows the resilience and character within