The Stormers team plans to utilize a new halfback pairing consisting of Sachi Feinberg-Mngomezulu and scrumhalf Haasim Pead to initiate attacks against the Scarlets on Saturday afternoon in Cape Town. Pead, who recently transferred from the Lions, will debut in the Stormers jersey, showcasing a potential future halfback duo for the team in the United Rugby Championship (URC) match at the DHL stadium at 16:00.
These two are among the most promising players in the squad, and they will face significant pressure due to the absence of key stars in the defensive line, such as captain Rohan Nel and fullback Damian Willemse.
The Scarlets, who are among the leading kicking teams in the URC, will present a serious challenge for Pead and Feinberg-Mngomezulu. If they can ensure that the Stormers play in the correct areas of the field, especially in situations involving ball retention, it will open up opportunities for the defensive line to attack.
Stormers rugby director John Dobson noted that the Scarlets' kicking game is an integral part of their style, rooted in the traditions of the Llanelli club. He emphasized that the team's playing style dates back to the era of Llanelli, including the times of Phil Bennett and Barry Jones, and they have always been proud of playing what is known as 'total rugby'.
Dobson added that it is interesting that the Scarlets lead the URC in kick meters and possession during kicks. He noted that the team is very strong in kicking, using it to create counter-attacking opportunities. Therefore, the Stormers team needs to be very accurate and clear in their kicking cycles. He compared this to their own team's situation a couple of years ago when they used kicks to create chaos and space for themselves.
He also commented on the recent form of the Scarlets: 'Look, they started promisingly. The win against Benetton, with all their Italian internationals, was a good result, and then they thrashed Newcastle the following week. So, perhaps these are not the Scarlets we are used to seeing towards the end of the season. They have high hopes.'
Thus, much will depend on Pead and Feinberg-Mngomezulu's ability to make sound decisions to position their forwards appropriately on the field. This, in turn, will allow the Stormers to exert pressure through their scrums, lineouts, and rolling mauls. Simultaneously, the duo will aim to reactivate their dangerous defensive line, building on last week's seven-try victory over the Bristol Bears, and convert territorial dominance into attacking chances against motivated Scarlets.