Sacha: Boks make my job easier
The 22-year-old made a strong statement for the Boks in 2024 before a knee injury cut short his rookie Test season, though he did enough to earn a nomination for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
A generational talent with supreme skills on attack, defence and from the kicking tee, eight-Test Feinberg-Mngomezulu produced some eye-catching performances in his breakthrough season for the Boks.
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And the mercurial playmaker is taking everything in his stride as he addressed his growth while appearing as a SuperSport guest during the New Year’s Test between South Africa and Pakistan at Newlands.
“It’s a really fortunate position I am in to come into a [national] set-up where everything is run smoothly,” he said. “Your team is winning and has excellent players around you.
“It makes a job like mine a lot easier, especially as a young 22-year-old flyhalf. That is a job that requires age and experience.
“Ultimately it’s a platform given to me by all my teammates and coaches.”
It has been a frustrating time for Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who hurt his shoulder straight from the kick-off in the round 9 Vodacom URC match against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 28 December.
He also left the field early in the Durban meeting of the coastal rivals due to concussion before limping off the field in the 28th minute of the home clash against the Lions.
Yet Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains upbeat, adding: “My main goal is to show people that it’s possible – if you want something you can get it.
“From a rugby point of view, I want to make the country proud. I want us to bring as much silverware to this country whether I’m involved or not.”
The Stormers return to action against the Sale Sharks in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday, following back-to-back wins in the URC prior to a week’s break. A win at Cape Town Stadium would maintain that momentum and breathe life into the Capetonians’ EPCR playoff hopes.
On the challenge for the Stormers this week, Feinberg-Mngomezulu said: “A lot of internationals on the field. It’s going to be a cracker.
“The Champions Cup is a nice way to watch rugby. It’s the best players involved with each team fighting for a W. You can’t afford to lose a game in the Champions Cup as it’s high stakes.”
