Stormers look to Bok stars for a spark

Saturday’s clash in Llanelli presents Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu with a chance to settle at flyhalf for the Stormers, who are excited to have Damian Willemse back.

The return of the Springbok playmakers from lengthy injury lay-offs could be a game-changer for John Dobson’s troops against Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets in round 13 of the Vodacom URC.

With Manie Libbok likely sidelined for the season, Feinberg-Mngomezulu is set to take the reins at No 10 – a role the versatile 23-year-old excelled in for the Springboks in 2024 – and Stormers attack coach Dawie Snyman is eager to see him settle in the position.

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“He’s going to have that opportunity now, just to settle himself in that position,” Snyman said earlier this week before the team left Cape Town for a two-match URC tour. “Previously we had to manoeuvre around Manie, who was also doing well in that position, so we had to use Sacha differently. 

“He’s obviously shown what he can do at flyhalf, he’s played brilliantly there for the Springboks. Hopefully, he can settle in and get a few games for us in that position.”

Willemse’s return adds another dimension, whether at inside centre or fullback, and veteran flanker Deon Fourie believes his influence will be crucial for the Cape outfit.

“The way he analyses games and the amount of work he does off the field… he always has plans, like Boogie [Warrick Gelant],” Fourie said.

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“To have him back and his X factor, just the way he plays, it’ll definitely ignite the backline.”

The Stormers sit 12th in the URC standings and face a tough stretch on the road, which concludes next Friday against Ulster in Belfast.

With Scarlets set to welcome back Wales internationals in their back three, Snyman knows the Stormers will have to be sharp defensively.

“If you look at Scarlets, they like to keep the ball and are an attack-minded team,” he said. “With [head coach] Dwayne Peel there, he likes to play a running brand of rugby, and that’s where those types of players are dangerous. 

“Any player who’s playing at that level and in those positions knows what they’re doing, and we have to be aware of that.”

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images