Yesterday at 09:30
AUDIO: It is fair to say that Sacha Feinbergh-Mngomezulu embodies everything the new Springboks should become.
He is, in the truest sense of the word, the epitome of a new beginning for the Springboks, as he delivered a remarkable demonstration of vision, beautiful ball contact and excellent teamwork with his defenders in the match against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.
Apart from his first missed penalty attempt, it was a high-level performance and it is clear that, despite only being 22 years old, he has taken on the position of link-up player with the confidence of an experienced and weathered old hand.
In his first start for the Springboks against the Wallabies in Australia, a place that has stuck in the Springboks’ minds for years, Feinberg-Mngomeluzu again showed a maturity that belies his age.
“I feel great.
“I’m so glad the boys made it.
“Of course there was talk about the curse of Suncorp (Brisbane), but our goal was to have a good week of training and then perform in the game and get points against a top-class team,” he said after the game.
“Next we go again.”
In last month’s friendly against Portugal in Bloemfontein, the 22-year-old managed in 36 minutes something that Springbok fans had not seen from their regular link-ups for months.
In those 36 minutes, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s door to the Springboks opened and he seized the opportunity with both hands. With his calm, cool head and subtle skills, he contributed to the victory over the Wallabies.
“I think it seems quite natural to me.
“The guys around me, two-time world champions, rub off on me with their aura and give me clarity and security and I feel so comfortable here.
“It allows me to be myself on the field and ultimately do my job right,” he said, trying to describe how he made the step up so smoothly.
He praised the Springboks for their courage and determination to continue playing despite a 30-point lead.
“After winning the game by 30 points, our defence showed that the Springboks stand for grit, determination and relentless breaking of the line to defend our flag.
“The fact that we managed to do this away from home and defend our flag makes the boys happy.”
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For most young players, his rapid rise to the No.10 jersey in the Bok League will be overwhelming. For him, it is the crowning achievement of what was supposed to be a very special year.
“It’s my crown year, so I’m definitely convinced now that crown years are special.
“It’s been the greatest year ever and to be with my heroes, to get back on my feet so to speak and to see them now as my teammates rather than my heroes, is a dream come true.
“I just hope that this year is the building block for the future.”
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