Stormers set to unleash full firepower against Bulls with Feinberg-Mngomezulu's return

The Stormers will roll out their strongest possible side when they host the Bulls at a sold-out DHL Stadium on Saturday (6pm), and while there is no shortage of match-winners in their ranks, the return of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu shapes as their defining advantage.

Unbeaten so far in the United Rugby Championship season, the Stormers enter their first north-south derby of the campaign with reinforcements arriving at the right time. Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse are both set to return after injury layoffs, giving director of rugby John Dobson the kind of selection depth that can tilt a tight derby.

IOL Sports Leighton Koopman reports that Dobson will name his matchday squad on Friday, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s return at flyhalf appears close to automatic. His anticipated combination with Springboks halfback partner Cobus Reinach brings tempo, sharp decision-making and a running threat that could place immediate pressure on a Bulls defence that has shown vulnerabilities.

Willemse’s reintegration presents a different challenge. A first-choice fullback for club and country, he has been operating at inside centre for the Stormers, and a continuation in that role would add a powerful second distributor and defensive organiser to the midfield.

That alignment could see Willemse pairing with Wandisile Simelane at outside centre. Simelane has been influential in his URC appearances, consistently beating defenders and carrying hard into space. With Willemse drawing defenders on the inside, Simelane could find additional room when the Stormers shift the ball wide.

At the back, Warrick Gelant is expected to resume his role as the Stormers’ chief counter-attacking option, potentially forming a back three with Dylan Maart and Leolin Zas. Suleiman Hartzenberg’s return from injury adds further depth, with his versatility across the backline making him a possible impact option later in the contest.

Up front, the Stormers are likely to stick with a six-two split on the replacement bench, reflecting the physical demands of a derby that will be shaped as much by collisions as creativity. Evan Roos at eighth man, alongside Paul de Villiers and Ben-Jason Dixon on the flanks, provides mobility and power against a Bulls loose trio known for its breakdown presence.

The front-row contest looms large. Ntuthuko Mchunu and Neethling Fouché, with André-Hugo Venter between them, are tasked with matching the influence of Wilco Louw and a Bulls scrum regarded as one of the most destructive in the competition.

If the Stormers can at least hold parity up front, the stage opens for Feinberg-Mngomezulu to exert his influence.

That influence extends well beyond the URC. Feinberg-Mngomezulu has just been named the top men’s rugby player in the world in this year’s RugbyPass Top 100, compiled by a global panel of expert rugby writers. One of the panelists, Owain Jones, described his qualities in glowing terms:

“At 23, he is a proud Gen-Z, unafraid to express himself and eschew tradition, who happens to possess magic in his feet and hands. Like a golfer who has perfected the formula between speed and power, Feinberg-Mngomezulu seems to strike the ball differently.”

Jones added: “In short, he can toy with defenders, unsure which club he's going to pull out.”

Former Springbok fullback Thinus Delport highlighted Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s all-round growth: “He's maturing into the complete player. He's lethal on the attack and brave in defence. There are still some minor improvements to be made in his game around his kicking but ultimately he's spearheading the dominant evolution of the Springboks.”

For the Stormers, that evolution could be the difference between maintaining an unbeaten run and surrendering derby bragging rights.