How Stormers plan to ease Sacha back into action after Bok duty
The influential flyhalf isn't likely to feature much in the URC until a later stage.
Stormers head coach John Dobson has shared his plans for managing key player Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu heading into the upcoming United Rugby Championship season. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, a crucial member of the Stormers squad, also holds the distinction of being the Springboks’ primary No 10, making him a vital asset for the South African team as they prepare for the World Cup in Australia.
Erasmus' Boks are aiming for their third consecutive title victory, following their triumphs in Japan in 2019 and France in 2023. Feinberg-Mngomezulu is scheduled to feature regularly for both the Stormers and Boks in 2027, but will need to take adequate rest periods, potentially in February and March. Having just completed a grueling four 80-minute games against the All Blacks, the 24-year-old also played all 80 minutes against Argentina following his recovery from an injury.
Dobson acknowledges that a strategic approach will be required in handling Feinberg-Mngomezulu's workload. "We're going to have to be brave now. He played four 80-minute games against New Zealand, and I'm not sure what the plans are for Australia [next Sunday]. But we're going to have to manage him," said Dobson. "These guys will only play better once they've rested and connected with their families again."
Once the Boks return from their one-off match against Australia in Perth next Sunday, they will be available for the Stormers' URC games throughout October. Once selected for the Boks, the players will travel to Europe for the Nations Championship games in November, leaving Feinberg-Mngomezulu potentially playing for the Stormers only from December onwards.
Additionally, Dobson has expressed interest in including Ben-Jason Dixon as a No 4 lock for the upcoming season. The Springbok loose-forward normally plays as a flanker. "If we can train BJ up properly at four we can use Hacjivah [Dayimani] at seven," Dobson noted.
The remaining Stormers players who are also Springboks and will require careful management upon their return from Australia include new signings Wilco Louw, Siya Kolisi, Zach Porthen, Paul de Villiers, Cobus Reinach, and Damian Willemse. Cheslin Kolbe, currently injured, is expected to return to action by December. The Stormers will kick off their 2026/27 URC campaign with an away fixture against Connacht in Galway next Friday.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
