There is no doubt that the biggest individual ‘winner’ from the Springboks’ mid-year Tests was talented youngster Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
The talented 22-year-old featured as a substitute in all four Tests, while playing as many as 78 minutes in the second game against Ireland after an early injury to Willie le Roux.
In that match he showcased his abilities at fullback, but it was his performance at flyhalf when he came on against Portugal this past weekend that once again set social media alight.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu didn’t put a foot wrong, setting up two tries – one of which came after a sensational break – while his goal-kicking was simply sublime.
The youngster suddenly seems to have leapfrogged Manie Libbok in the pecking order, at least partly due to the fact that he offers incredible utility value.
Springboks have discovered a raw gem in Feinberg-Mngomezulu
At the start of the Rugby Championship, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will almost certainly stick with the experience of Handre Pollard at 10, but the veteran will know that there is renewed competition for his jersey.
It would not be any surprise at all to see Feinberg-Mngomezulu utilised primarily as a flyhalf when coming off the bench going forward, while it could be a calculated gamble to allow him to claim the No 10 jersey for the two Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina.
On and off the field, he boasts such incredible maturity that extends beyond his young age, and the sky truly is the limit for this rising star.
“I just want to play rugby, man,” he said earlier this season when describing his natural instincts for the game.
“That’s my job and I just want to contribute properly. Again, it’s a cliche, but I really want to contribute and put this team forward. When I get an opportunity to do that, even if it’s on the flank, I will do what I need to do.
“I’m playing with double champs right now and guys who have really taken this flag forward… it’s a privilege for me to play with them. Opportunities like this don’t come every day, so I’m just grateful to be surrounded by such elite athletes and competitors. That’s what I want going forward.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu added that while this was certainly a “step up” from what he had experienced thus far in his career, he was confident he could make the step up.
“I really appreciate what the coaches are doing with easing me into this level of rugby. I’m hopefully on the way there soon. I’m working hard with the coaches and they’re putting full faith in me, and hopefully the results will come and I’ll be good for Test rugby soon,” he said.
“I think experience will help a lot of [the] weak areas of my game. Physical skills are something you can work on properly, but the verbal skills and understanding of the game are something that comes with time.”
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