Stormers flyhalf and playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu dives over for one of his three tries during Saturday's United Rugby Championship win over Connacht in Cape Town.
Image: BackpagePix
Friend and foe were left absolutely mesmerised by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s performance in the Stormers’ crucial United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu put on a special show in the first half at the DHL Stadium, showing off his outrageous skillset to score a magnificent 27-minute hat-trick. Those three tries had it all, with his support play, decision-making, pace and kicking game coming to the fore.
The 22-year-old had the ball on a string. A lot of the stuff he executed on the day can’t be coached. It’s a natural ability that he was born with and it’s scary to think that he has only scratched the surface of that potential.
After a string of unfortunate injuries dating back to last year’s Rugby Championship campaign with the Springboks, Feinberg-Mngomezulu is back to full fitness and his sublime best. And now that Springbok No 10 jersey is sitting there with his name on it ahead of the international season.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu has an elite skillset that simply sets him apart from those vying for the flyhalf position. He has all the passing and running skills of Stormers colleague Manie Libbok, but also possesses an educated boot that makes Springboks legend Handre Pollard such a revered competitor.
It’s a rare blend of skills that make him an absolute cheat code for the Springboks, as he can seamlessly fit into any gameplan that coaches cook up for a matchday.
His three tries against Connacht showed off all his skills to find space with ball in hand and both feet.
His famed ability with the ball in hand is definitely his strength, but the kid’s kicking game is something else. He can manipulate a rugby ball like we’ve never seen before.
One of his tries on Saturday came about after a perfectly placed kick right in the middle of the opposition defenders in the back field. It looked aimless when it left his boot, but it ended up with him diving over the tryline.
There has also been some outrageous “50-22” kicks which he judged to perfection, with side-spin to actually find the touchline to give his team the lineout and put them on the attack. His football background as a youngster definitely had a big influence in this part of his game.
The performance against Connacht also underlined his temperament and the confidence to pull off the impossible. Of course, at 22, he will make the odd mistake like he did on Saturday - knocking a ball on and kicking one straight into touch. But he backs himself and his ability, and that is all that matters.
As a playmaker, you want the ball in your hands all of the time to have a big influence on the game. In a Stormers team crammed with playmakers such as Damian Willemse and Warrick Gelant, Feinberg-Mngomezulu still took charge and bossed that first half brilliantly.
It’s what Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and attack coach Tony Brown want from their flyhalf, a guy who can control the game, but also one that can come up with a moment of magic to win rugby matches.
Standing at 1.85 meters and weighing 89kg, Feinberg-Mngomezulu also doesn’t shy away from contact. The razzle-dazzle is just half of his story.
Last year against the All Blacks he showed what a top defender he is, making all of his tackles on the big stage in a crunch Test match at Ellis Park. He is also a No 10 who gets his hands dirty at ruck time, a player who can slow down the ball and protect it when they are outnumbered at the breakdown.
His development as a player has been rapid, with his “sponge mentality” allowing him to absorb knowledge from teammates and coaches, which has accelerated his growth.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s hunger to learn and to grow is evident. His decision to play through a knee injury against the All Blacks last, though criticised by Erasmus, reflects his fierce competitiveness drive to succeed.
It’s an understatement to say this kid is a generational talent, who could soon be compared to the likes of All Black great Dan Carter.
His greatness lies in his rare combination of technical brilliance, mental composure, and a deep personal motivation to be the best. At the moment, he has no ceiling and the sky is the limit.
South Africa, we have quite the player on our hands …
@JohnGoliath82
