Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu says the Stormers will “give everything we’ve got” against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday before taking a break.

The Stormers sit second on the Vodacom URC log behind the Glasgow Warriors, having won their opening eight games before coming unstuck against the Sharks in Cape Town last Saturday.

The Stormers are next in action on 28 February when they travel to Joburg to face the Lions, so will be looking to empty the tank in Durban. Conditions are set to hot with humidity around 70%.

“It’s the last game before a break, so we’re definitely going to give everything we’ve got,” Feinberg-Mngomezulu said. “It’s been a hectic start to the season and the bodies probably do need a rest, but there’s still a lot to play for. We’re excited for the challenge.”

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The Stormers were left frustrated after an error-strewn performance last weekend, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu said the response this week has been calm and focused rather than reactive.

“We didn’t try to find mistakes everywhere,” he explained. “There actually wasn’t too much wrong with our game. We nailed it down to one or two things that cost us, put the focus there, and then moved on. Now it’s about sharpening those areas.”

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Both Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Stormers attack coach Dawie Snyman expect another epic confrontation between the two packs which they believe will go a long way to determining the outcome of the derby.

“If our forwards can be better this weekend, it gives us a proper platform,” Feinberg-Mngomezulu said, adding that the Stormers pack has always given the team forward momentum. “If our forwards come out firing tomorrow, which I’m sure they will, then the backs have to do our job off the back of that.

“Set-piece and the battle up front are always massive in these games,” Snyman added. “It comes down to what the two packs can give the backs to play with.”

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Snyman said that while both sides know each other well after back-to-back meetings, execution will be key.

“It’s a new game. We’ve identified one or two areas we want to be better in, but we have to pitch up and apply pressure.”

Feinberg-Mngomezulu also welcomed the selection of Jonathan Roche at No 12.

“Johnny’s been really good for us. He’s strong, he’s got a good distribution game, and he works incredibly hard in the unseen moments,” he said. “He’s another brain in the backline and a great communicator.”

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For Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the motivation is clear.

“We don’t want to go into the break on the back of two losses,” he said. “We’re ready for it, physically and mentally, and hopefully we go into the break with a smile.”

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images