Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Willemse return in double Bok boost for Stormers

Springbok stars Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse have been slotted right back into the starting lineup of the Stormers for their first overseas match in the United Rugby Championship against the Scarlets.

To accommodate the returning Bok duo, director of rugby John Dobson has shuffled his backline for the Friday night clash (8.45pm start) at Parc y Scarlets, with captain Ruhan Nel shifting to inside centre and Wandisile Simelane taking up the No 13 jersey. Willemse slots into the fullback position in place of Simelane, while Feinberg-Mngomezulu takes over the flyhalf jersey from rookie Jurie Matthee.

In the forwards, there are also several changes, with the absence of the injured Neethling Fouché at tighthead being filled by Sazi Sandi. He forms a front row with hooker JJ Kotze and loosehead Ali Vermaak, with all three making their first start of the campaign. Lock Ruben van Heerden joins the trio in making the run-on side for the first time this season.

Dobson opted for a six-two split on the bench, with young scrumhalf Imad Khan and Matthee filling the backline spots. Veteran utility forward Deon Fourie is also back in the side for his first game of the season and will look to make an impact off the bench.

Despite the shuffled team, it is still a strong one that can get their campaign overseas off to a winning start. However, it could also affect their continuity and be the cause of a disjointed start in Llanelli.

Dobson said after two good wins at home, the focus is on getting the tour off to a positive start.

“It has been an encouraging start to the season, and we are determined to build on that in this first tour game. There are a few areas that we want to improve on, and our preparations have obviously been limited by the travel this week.

“We have got some good players coming in from the national team and some who have been in our squad and are making their first starts. We know that everyone will have to be on their game for this one for us to continue the winning momentum on the road.”

Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Ruhan Nel (captain), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Ali Vermaak.

Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurie Matthee.