This past Saturday marked the first game of the national season for the 2023 World Cup-winning Springbok team – and while South Africans were ecstatic to see the return of some of their favourite rugby heroes, the day also marked the birth of some new international players who have raised their hands by proving that they have what it takes to lead the country to even more success.
With the Boks successfully defeating Wales 41 –13 at Twickenham Stadium in London, England, there have been a few debutants who have done a good job at introducing themselves to international rugby. These are Edwill van der Merwe, Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
In this article, we will delve into the backgrounds of these hot steppers by covering some interesting facts about their emergence.
Edwill van der Merwe
Known for his creative try-scoring celebrations and rapid speed, Edwill was born and bred in Kylemore, a small town close to Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. This past weekend Edwill became the second rugby player from his community to don the green and gold colours of the national, with the first being his childhood friend, 2019 World Cup winner Herschel Jantjies.
Growing up the Lions winger attended the prestigious rugby-loving school Paul Roos Gymnasium, a school that has produced the most Springboks in mzansi, and holds the record of being the top try scorer in the Varsity Cup Rugby competition after studying at Stellenbosch University.
In their debut match against Wales, he had Kylemore’s postal code written on his wrist to show appreciation for the support received back home.
“When I got the call to the first training camp – everyone has been sending messages. The primary school even made little posters for me. So, I don’t just carry my own dream with me, but the people of my community,” he said in a pre-match interview.
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Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
At just 22 years old, Sacha has shown a high level of composure and maturity kicking a 55-meter-long penalty to put a smile on the face of coach Rassie.
Sacha who hails from Bishops Diocesan College in Rondebosch, Cape Town and has represented Western Province at age group level before making his senior debut in 2021 and with the Stormers in 2022.
Being the son of Heart FM radio presenter Nick Feinberg and brother of UK’s reality show, Too Hot to Handle, cast member Nathan Mngomezulu, Sacha also qualifies to play for England through his father, opted to go with the Springboks instead.
The moment when all the work paid off? pic.twitter.com/tEWIfsJU0X
— Nick Feinberg (@thehonestnick) June 22, 2024
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Jordan Hendrikse
At just 19 years of age, Jordan showed that he was made for professional rugby after making his first professional appearance in the Joburg-based team, Lions. The now, 22-year-old comes from King Williams Town and has made appearances in several codes of national rugby teams including the Junior Springboks, Springbok sevens team, Springbok A side, and as of 2024 the official Springboks team.
He is also the proud brother of fellow Springbok player Jaden Hendrikse.
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Also see: Springboks continue their gold haul at SA Sports Awards
