Stormers’ Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Set to Start at Flyhalf vs Sharks Following Injury Recovery

The Stormers have made a strong move in their upcoming United Rugby Championship derby against the Sharks, naming Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to start at flyhalf in what promises to be an intense South African clash at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday. The match kicks off at 5pm, with the Stormers eager to step up in the face of a Springbok-packed Sharks team.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who has been sidelined since September due to a knee injury sustained during the Springboks’ Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks, returns after a rigorous rehab. The 23-year-old flyhalf previously played against the All Blacks in Cape Town, but his injury was kept under wraps by the team until coach Rassie Erasmus disclosed it after the match.

Now fit again, Feinberg-Mngomezulu will partner with seasoned Springbok Herschel Jantjies at halfback for the Stormers. Jantjies, who will be leaving the Cape for France at the end of the season, brings invaluable experience to the backline. On the replacements bench, the Stormers have chosen a 6-2 split, with Stefan Ungerer and the returning Manie Libbok—who recently played for the Springboks against England—covering the backline. Should Feinberg-Mngomezulu shift to inside centre, Libbok will take over at flyhalf.

In addition to Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s return, the Stormers also welcome back loosehead prop Ali Vermaak from injury. Vermaak will join Joseph Dweba and Neethling Fouche in the front row, providing much-needed stability up front. The back row will feature Marcel Theunissen at No 8, with Dave Ewers and Ben-Jason Dixon completing the forward pack. JD Schickerling and Ruben van Heerden continue in their second-row partnership, bringing physicality and expertise to the lineout.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson reflected on the team’s preparation, emphasizing their readiness to meet the challenge of facing a Sharks team brimming with international talent. “After working together as a group for the last few weeks, we are aiming to rise to the challenge we will face in Durban on Saturday,” Dobson said. “These South African derbies are always big occasions, and this is a great opportunity for us to show what we are all about.”

The Stormers will face off against the Sharks in what promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams set to give their all in this crucial derby.

Stormers team for Kings Park: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis (captain), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.

Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Manie Libbok.

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