Dobson admitted Stormers got what they deserved at the Arms Park but is glad to have avoided 2023 champions Munster, a Connacht side who won in Cape Town in April and South African rivals Lions.
“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.”
The Blue and Blacks have won outside Wales just once this season – at URC bottom club Zebre in November – but Van Zyl believes they can upset the odds.
“I know people will be writing us off,but we will have a good crack at it and see what happens,” he said.