The Springboks have a new superstar in their midst. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is still working on becoming the finished article, though.
The 23-year-old pivot is known for his flair and attacking instincts.
However, his fierce work ethic and desire to improve his goal-kicking aren’t new traits.
Sacha’s Springboks inspiration
Sach’s ex-coach opens up on an old weakness
Wesley Chetty, a former coach of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at Bishops Diocesan College, has opened up on the 23-year-old’s biggest weakness back in high school and how he’s been working on it.
“Sacha’s biggest weakness in those days was his kicking for posts, and we had another talented youngster who is now doing really well at hockey who did the kicking for us,” recalled Chetty.
“But when Sacha came to me at the first team, he started to work on his kicking from the tee, assuming we might need him at some point, which we did in a game against Stellenberg.
“He had a really bad day. I was grumpy as I drove to pick up my wife an hour or so after the game, and there was Sacha, out on the empty (Bishops) field, kicking at posts.
“After that, I would see him doing that so often. I would go for a run early on a Sunday morning, and there he would be. He was obsessed with getting it right, and the proof of the pudding was the success he got after that.”
WATCH: 13-year-old Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu makes a stunning speech
Sacha’s old weakness is now a strength for the Springboks
Alongside his natural playmaking ability, flair and attacking instincts, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is becoming a more accomplished goal-kicker. With his tally of 37 points against Argentina in South Africa’s 67-30 win last weekend, the fly-half became the Springbok with the most points ever in a single match for South Africa. Along with a hat-trick of tries, he slotted two penalties and eight conversions. This complete performance makes a mockery of claims that his goal-kicking isn’t up to par.
When are the Springboks and Sacha next in action?
4 October will be a decisive day in the Rugby Championship. How can the Springboks secure the trophy? Permutations via Craig Lewis:
South Africa sits at the top of the standings, one point ahead of the All Blacks, and with a vastly superior points difference (+55 to New Zealand’s -6).
Australia are in third place with 11 points, while Argentina are fourth on nine points.
The good news for the Springboks is also that their final fixture will not be played in Argentina, where they have often struggled, but instead it will be played at Twickenham, where they will have plenty of expat support in London.
Ultimately, all the Springboks need to do this Saturday is secure a win over Argentina by any margin.
