Stormers backline in exciting, but unchartered waters with all guns blazing

The Stormers are in exciting and yet unfamiliar territory with their most prolific play-makers all fit and available, or just about there.

Only Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok is expected to recover from injury in the upcoming weeks, while national teammate Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has found himself in sensational form with 50 points from his last two matches.

Damian Willemse has also been good playing at centre and fullback since returning from injury in March, while fullback Warrick Gelant has scored two tries since February.

All four Springboks have rarely been available together, and it was something Willemse drew attention to as he prepares for his 100th Stormers cap when the Stormers host Dragons in their second-last regular season game in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday (kick-off 6.15pm).

Stormers backline unstoppable

“We are also trying to figure it out because I don’t think there’s been a time where we’ve all been fit and ready to play together,” Willemse said, adding it was “pretty incredible” playing with the other Springboks.

“It’s great for us as a team, especially if you look across the board [at] how balanced our side is, forwards and backs, with the type of players we have. Quick, dynamic, strong ball-carriers, good decision-makers… Having a guy like Sacha, Warrick there who can distribute, who can also play-make… [Seabelo] Senatla, Ben Loader, guys on the wing who can finish as well.”

Willemse said he, Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Libbok and Gelant had especially been synergising, “coming up with nice plans that I think came through in the Benetton game”, which the Stormers won 56–5.

Still, he said things would only get more exciting as the Stormers adapt to their new norm, at least until Libbok takes a Sabbatical in Japan from December until May.

“For us it’s approaching every day, pitching up and becoming better, getting that cohesive energy and understanding.”

Strength to strength: Willemse sings Sacha’s praises

Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been instrumental in the Stormers’ rise to sixth on the URC log. They are in an excellent position now to qualify for the tournament play-offs.

“He’s a great player, also just figuring his game out. Teams will put pressure on him but I think for us, we try and identify that nice and early in the week and the coaches come up with plans and tell us where we are going to face heat.

“I think the job he’s done and how he’s played the last few weeks has been outstanding.”