Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu dives over for one of his three tries against Connacht. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Ruck&Maul Column
I was honestly worried about Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s injury situation earlier this season.
He just didn’t seem like he could put a few matches together before breaking down. The collarbone injury sustained against the Sharks in December was the latest problem.
In fact, in the two previous games against the Sharks and Lions, Feinberg-Mngomezulu went off with concussion and hip issues, respectively.
That of course all happened after a knee injury against the All Blacks saw him ruled out of the Springbok November tour as well.
After earning the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award, Feinberg-Mngomezulu said the “injury layoff served me well”, and that “I don’t take any opportunity for granted. I’ve had injuries, and understand that game-time is never given”.
He made his belated return against the Scarlets in Wales on March 22, and inspired his team to a 29-17 win.
There was a bit of ‘red mist’ in the 38-34 loss to Ulster in Belfast, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu was back at his irresistible best in last weekend’s 34-29 win over Connacht in Cape Town.
The 23-year-old flyhalf showcased his full array of skills – pace, panache, power, little chips, dummy passes, long passes... you name it.
A sensational 25-minute hat-trick from the Bishops product set the platform for the win, although the Stormers’ leaky defence nearly blew it on the day – with only an obstruction in the final move stopping Connacht from pulling off a win.
But now the big question remains: should Feinberg-Mngomezulu start ahead of Handré Pollard against the All Blacks at Eden Park on September 6?
Yes, there are lots of Tests before and afterwards, but that is surely the biggest Test of the year for Rassie Erasmus’ team – at least until the South Africans square off against Ireland in Dublin on November 22.
Some fans will point to the French Test at the Stade de France in Paris on November 8 as another massive one, but for me, New Zealand at Eden Park and Ireland at the Aviva Stadium are even more important.
The All Blacks haven’t lost at the famous Auckland venue in 50 matches since 1994 – when they incidentally drew 18-18 against the Boks in a ‘dead-rubber Test’ after already winning the series 2-0 in the first two games.
New Zealand have won 48 and drawn two over the last 30 years, with the other stalemate the 15-15 score-line against the 2017 British and Irish Lions.
So, while Erasmus experimented with combinations last year and will continue to do so in 2025 in the name of growing depth for the 2027 World Cup, the best team must play against the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Who’s it going to be at flyhalf: Feinberg-Mngomezulu or Pollard?
The latter is currently finishing off his stint at Leicester Tigers in England before heading home to join the Bulls on July 1.
Pollard doesn’t have to prove his worth as a player or leader to Erasmus, but he would need to display the necessary form to wear the No 10 jersey in Auckland on September 6.
There are Tests against Italy, Georgia and Australia for Erasmus to run the rule over his two main pivots – and Manie Libbok will hopefully also be back from injury by then – before the Boks travel to New Zealand. But I would go for Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and the reason is two-fold.
He has shown that he can handle the big occasion by starring against the Kiwis and Wallabies last season, and is currently in outstanding form.
His vast repertoire ties in with what assistant coach Tony Brown is trying to do with the evolution of the Bok attack heading towards 2027 – that the world champions are so much more than just a forward-based side who can only score tries off scrums and mauls.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu also needs to experience starting a Test match in New Zealand. He has shone at Twickenham as well, but the All Blacks are the ultimate test for the Bok team.
Can he go toe-to-toe with a Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett or Damian McKenzie in a high-stakes Rugby Championship showdown?
Feinberg-Mngomezulu can only benefit from that situation, and it may provide Erasmus with a few answers before the 2027 World Cup.
