The Stormers will rely heavily on the growing partnership between scrumhalf Imad Khan and flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu when they face Cardiff in their United Rugby Championship quarter-final in Cape Town on Saturday.

The match at DHL Stadium is expected to be a tightly contested knockout encounter, with the Cape side looking to use their attacking rhythm and ball movement to gain the upper hand.

Khan and Feinberg-Mngomezulu, both former Bishops schoolboys, have developed a strong understanding throughout the season despite having played very little rugby together in their younger years.

Khan explained that the connection between the two has grown naturally through regular training sessions and match experience, allowing them to trust each other’s instincts on the field.According to Khan, the Stormers’ attacking system is built around freedom, adaptability and support play.He highlighted the team’s ability to react to what is happening in front of them rather than sticking rigidly to structure.

This style has become one of the Stormers’ biggest strengths, especially when players such as Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Warrick Gelant and Damian Willemse are involved in open play.

Cardiff are expected to challenge the Stormers aggressively at the breakdown and tackle area in an effort to slow down their tempo and disrupt their attacking flow.However, if Khan and Feinberg-Mngomezulu settle quickly and dictate the pace of the game, the home side could become difficult to contain.The return of captain Ruhan Nel at outside centre is also viewed as a major boost for the Stormers ahead of the play-off clash.A victory would move the Cape side one step closer to another URC final appearance.