Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has seemingly developed an appetite for facing the Lions in the United Rugby Championship, and will look to feast again on them tomorrow afternoon in Cape Town.
It’s a crucial South African derby (3.45pm kick-off) for the Stormers in what could determine the rest of their season in the tournament.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu is one of a few Springboks, alongside prop Frans Malherbe, fetcher Deon Fourie and flyhalf Manie Libbok, returning from injury for the inaugural champions.
More of this needed from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in his return to the Stormers after a concussion lay-off. He loves a game against the Lions via @CapeTimesSA - https://t.co/JgGLd7CyHJ pic.twitter.com/2dTxMq64cp
The Lions will know Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s prowess all too well.
He has been a keen terroriser of their defensive system, while some crucial tackles in their previous game also prevented the Johannesburg side from scoring what would’ve been a crucial try.
Stormers supporters won’t forget the heroics of Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the last game between the sides.
He first ankle-tapped wing Edwill van der Merwe, who was speeding towards the try line, before a Brok Harris cover tackle stopped the Bok speedster from advancing.
Then Feinberg-Mngomezulu got up to make the defining tackle on No 8 Francke Horne, who only had the tryline in front of him. The tackle bundled Horne over the touchline to prevent the five-pointer from being scored.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's audition tape for the Lion King 4 🦁🎬@TheStormers rising star enjoys facing the @LionsRugbyCo ⚡️@Vodacom #URC | #STOvLIO pic.twitter.com/SEapwGPM7K
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) December 19, 2024
Also previously against the Jozi side, the young utility back combined well with Libbok on the attack, who put him in for a try with a chip-kick that sparked a comeback win at Ellis Park.
It was another derby that went down to the wire.
And with several Springboks missing in 2023, he showed some neat soccer skills on a loose ball, kicked it through, collected and scored, with former Lions flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse too late to stop him. He dotted down twice in this clash.
The Cape side will bank on those Feinberg-Mngomezulu moments to regain some needed winning momentum tomorrow.
“For a 22-year-old, he is an inspiration on our side,” Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat said about Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
“He has really been remarkable in the last couple of games against the Lions.
“The desperation he shows on defence, those highlights against them. He is a proper skilful player, and we are very happy to have him back with our other Springboks.”
The Stormers are looking to sharpen up one area of their play, and that is the breakdown.
Normally known for their accuracy at this facet of the game, they’ve been outmuscled by plenty of sides over the last couple of weeks.
Moerat says they are keen to put their best foot forward at the rucks, especially with the dangers the Lions pose with their loose forwards.
Fullback Warrick Gelant has been the Stormers’ most lethal poacher, but with fetcher Fourie among the returnees, he will have a reprieve to focus on his attacking game.
But Gelant has been working with South African referee Amy Barrett-Theron and some of his other teammates to upskill himself at the breakdown, and he’s been reaping the rewards.
“We are known for running rugby, but to get there, we must protect our ball at the rucks. Our breakdowns haven’t been that sharp, but I can assure you we have worked on them,” Moerat said.
“We have to look after the ball.
“The Lions have some fantastic fetchers, and every breakdown will be a proper contest.
“We must ensure we get there first and look after our possession.”