Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been the name on everyone’s lips since the Springbok’s latest showings over the past few weeks. The 22-year-old has made a lasting impression on his coaches and rugby fans at large.
The Stormer’s fly-half has played all four of his tests off the bench, his debut being against Wales at Twickenham in London in June this year. Coming off the bench in all of his games so far, he has managed to fit into the Springbok’s line-up seamlessly.
He played well against Ireland in the first test and did what was expected from him. However, it was in the game against Portugal that the youngster displayed his full skill set, from his goal-kicking ability and playmaking skills to his counterattacking prowess.
The electric performances by the youngster have given fan favourite and Springbok legend coach Rassie Erasmus much to think about as his team prepares for the Rugby Championship. If Damian Willemse is fit to tour, along with Handre Pollard, the South African side will have three fly-halves, leaving Libbok out in the cold.
“Then Sacha comes out and slots everything, he passes well and he creates tries. I think there is some proper pressure on all the number 10s … Handre, Manie and Gaza (Willemse) because there are some new guys in the team that are doing things,” says coach Rassie in a post-match interview.
South Africans and fans of the Springboks have come out to praise the young player as the ‘next big thing’, with some advocating for his integration into the starting line-up to begin as soon as possible.
I really believe that Sasha should play 10. But Mannie libbok i believe is a much better attacking player. Play sasha at 15 so he can kick, and Damian Willemse on the bench. Imagine!!!!!
— Crypto_Guru (@CryptoGysi3) July 22, 2024
The confidence of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is something extraordinary to behold. He’s clearly enjoying international rugby. Like you said, just needs more experience. The matches against Aus & NZ will be the final test for him. If he can pass that, then Rassie knows what to do.
— Ashley Pieterse (@ashleykpieterse) July 21, 2024
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