Stormers get Bok boost for derby duel

12/17/2024 06:25 AM

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is among the Springboks returning for the DHL Stormers in the buildup to Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against the Lions at Cape Town Stadium.

The playmaker addressed the media in a Stormers conference on Tuesday, alongside assistant coach Dawie Snyman, who confirmed that Deon Fourie, Ben-Jason Dixon and Frans Malherbe are set to boost the Stormers for the SA derby in the Mother City.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu last featured for the Stormers during a round 7 URC defeat to the Sharks over two weeks ago, before being ruled out with concussion.

Utility forward Dixon, too, has completed his mandatory protocols following a head knock against Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup.

Veteran scrum anchor Malherbe hurt his ankle in the match against Glasgow Warriors in October, while 38-year-old Fourie could make his first appearance of the season following eight months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

"There are a few guys we will make a final call on today [Monday]," Snyman told reporters. "Manie [Libbok] still has to rest [but] Frans is back, Deon is also back, and BJ is also back.

"But like I said, we'll only make that final call after today. They have to get through full training."

The Stormers have been battling injuries to several key players and results haven't gone their way, so Feinberg-Mngomezulu is relishing the opportunity to make a big contribution this week.

"I'm not one to be happy after a loss to the Sharks, but I was really happy to be out on the field again. I was so happy to play,” said the 22-year-old, who missed the Bok end-of-year tour with a knee injury.

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“That's kept me going, and I've been looking forward to this fixture since I've got that concussion. For me, it's been about resetting and getting back into the mix with the group has been really nice. I'm just super keen to play again. The breaks are never nice but it's also a time to strengthen other areas.

“I think everyone has zoned in and we all know that [winning this match] is going to be a huge requirement from everyone. Everyone is preparing that way, and we're in a good space."

While the Stormers suffered a heavy defeat to Harlequins in the Investec Champions Cup last week, Snyman is optimistic about the future while highlighting the lessons from the Twickenham Stoop match.

"You can feel there's a high level of focus and the boys understand what's at stake. We want to get over the line and put in a good performance," he explained. "There is pressure, but it's rugby and that's part of the game and we're embracing it. We're excited to play.

"There's always something you can take out of a game, not just as a team but as individuals. There are some players who played [against Harlequins] who will be involved this weekend.

"A few tactical decisions we could've probably done better, and how when we lost momentum, how we can regain that momentum. That was one thing we couldn't get right.

"Us as coaches will look at it behind the scenes and all the learnings from last week we'll put into place and try to improve this weekend."

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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