Stormers hand Pead first start against Scarlets in URC
Scrumhalf Haashim Pead will start for the Stormers for the first time when they host Scarlets in Cape Town this afternoon.
The Stormers will lean on a fresh halfback combination when they host Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this afternoon, according to IOL. Scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who recently joined from the Lions, will make his first start for the Cape side alongside flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
The match is at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, with kick-off at 4pm.
Pressure on the young halfbacks
IOL describes Pead and Feinberg-Mngomezulu as two of the most exciting players in the squad. They will carry extra responsibility because several key backline players are missing, including captain Ruhan Nel and fullback Damian Willemse.
Their main task will be to steer the Stormers into the right areas of the field, especially from set-piece situations. If they get that right, it should create chances for the backline and let the forwards apply pressure through the scrums, lineouts and rolling mauls.
Scarlets built on kicking
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said the Welsh side’s kicking game is central to who they are, and traces back to the traditions of the Llanelli club. He pointed out that Scarlets currently lead the URC in kicking metres and kick possession, and use the boot to create counter-attacking chances.
Dobson said the Stormers will have to be “pretty sharp and accurate in our kick cycles”. He added that the Stormers played in a similar way a couple of years ago, kicking to create chaos and space.
He also warned against expecting the Scarlets the Stormers have faced before. The Welsh side beat Benetton, who had all their Italian internationals available, and then thrashed Newcastle the following week. “They’ve got a lot of hope,” Dobson said.
What to look out for
The Stormers will want to build on last week’s seven-try win over Bristol Bears and turn territorial advantage into points. Supporters will also get an early look at what could become the team’s regular halfback pairing in the URC.
- Match: Stormers v Scarlets, URC
- Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- Date and time: Saturday 24 October 2026, 4pm
With Nel and Willemse unavailable, the Stormers’ attacking edge will depend heavily on how well their new halfbacks manage the kicking contest.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
