Springboks boost for Stormers with Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Willemse set to join URC tour

The Stormers could have their Springboks available for their first United Rugby Championship (URC) overseas match in Wales this coming week, barring any injuries in the final Rugby Championship Test on Saturday.

After their second victory on Friday, the Cape side remains unbeaten as they embark on their first trip of the new season, with a couple of tough matches awaiting them in the north.

They beat the Ospreys 26-10 in a hard-fought duel, narrowly missing out on a second bonus-point win. However, the momentum they’ve built up ahead of the tour will greatly benefit them as they look to improve their performances when playing overseas.

Another boost will be the possible inclusion of flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, utility back Damian Willemse, and new scrumhalf acquisition Cobus Reinach, who may join the squad this week in Wales ahead of the match against the Scarlets.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson was a pleased man after the Ospreys encounter, praising his side for the two wins at the start of the competition.

“If we didn’t beat the Ospreys, we would’ve had to win all three games on tour,”  Dobson said after the victory at the DHL Stadium.

“This was a pressure game. I wouldn’t say we have freedom now; we still have to win at least two games on the road. And winning away is not that easy. But this victory is a relief.”

Regarding the overseas trip, Dobson said they will leave for Llanelli on Monday. Although they had the option of flying out on Sunday, the team opted to have a couple of training sessions on home soil, including an on-field session on Monday, before taking a late-night flight to Wales.

Their Springboks, who played in the Rugby Championship finale at Twickenham in London on Saturday afternoon, will join them in the Welsh city if all goes according to plan, and Dobson said they are eager to rejoin the squad.

“They are available from now. We can’t say too much. A couple of them might play next week, so they will stay on. We need to get wins on the road, and they are available to play. We know about their rest protocols and how much time off we must give them before the end of the season.”

Tighthead prop Neethling Fouché left the field with a suspected broken arm and looks set to spend some time on the sidelines. The Stormers will also welcome back some injured players over the next couple of weeks as they look to strengthen their squad for a crucial period in the tournament.