The confirmation that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is part of the 30-man DHL Stormers squad that left on Tuesday for a two-match Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash north of the equator opens up the intriguing prospect of this being a potentially seminal moment for both the player and for the Springbok buildup to the next Rugby World Cup.
How so? Well, it comes down to someone else’s misfortune being another person’s opportunity. Manie Libbok is not on tour because of the leg injury sustained the last time the Stormers were overseas, and the word is that he may not play again this season.
Which means that for once there shouldn’t be any question about who wears the No 10, a number that Feinberg-Mngomezulu has worn more on his back at Springbok level than he has for the Stormers.
The recently turned 23 star’s versatility, coupled also with the undeniable influence Libbok has on the Stormers’ playing style, has made it easy for him to be accommodated elsewhere. Most notably at inside centre, where he and Libbok could make a devastating playmaking axis.
That was something Stormers director of rugby John Dobson was very excited about when he selected them at 10/12 in a clutch of home games in December, and while Feinberg-Mngomezulu was on the field, the reason for Dobson’s excitement was clear for all to see.
Those two playing together makes it difficult for opposing defences and they promised a lot as an attacking duo.
HOPEFULLY HE CAN REMAIN INJURY FREE
However, Feinberg-Mngomezulu failed to make it to halftime in either of the two games against the Emirates Lions and then the Hollywoodbets Sharks, which of course introduces another talking point around the player should he be selected to face the Scarlets in Llanelli on Saturday.
Has he become too injury prone and has he shaken off the niggles that keep stunting his progress.
Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman hopes he has now got himself to a point physically where he can get an extended run.
“I always feel for the guys who get a few minutes here and there and then get stopped becuse of a niggle. It is very hard to build momentum or form when that is happening and it does hold up a player’s progress,” said Snyman.
But it’s the chance that Feinberg-Snyman now has to bed down for an extended run at flyhalf that should most excite those who see him as a potential first choice No 10 for the Boks at rugby’s next global showpiece tournament in Australia in 2027.
“He does have an opportunity now to settle himself in that position,” agreed Snyman.
“Previously he has had to manoeuvre around as Manie was in that position. But he showed us what he could do at No 10 when he played there for the Springboks. Hopefully he can settle in and get a few games in that position.”
As the position is considered the game-driving position in most teams (the exceptions are when you have a Fourie du Preez playing scrumhalf for you), it does require a lengthy apprenticeship. One of the most positive aspects of Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s good performances at flyhalf for the Boks was that it came off virtually a zero base beyond age-group level.
MATCH WINNING POTENTIAL
Given the commanding performance he turned in when Bok coach Rassie Erasmus surprised by starting him at flyhalf away against Australia and also in the Johannesburg game against the All Blacks last year, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has the potential to be one of those rare match-winners that is regarded as generational.
Not only is he a wonderful attacking player, he also has a smart drop-kicking boot and can kick prodigious distances from the tee, as he showed when slotting a monster penalty from inside his own half not long after coming on for his debut cameo when the Boks played Wales at Twickenham last June.
Indeed, when Libbok continued with the Stormers place-kicking duties in those aforementioned games where Feinberg-Mngomezulu was at centre, there were eyes raised in the press box, for the younger player has looked assured when asked to kick at international level whereas Libbok had gone through a long period of patchy goalkicking form.
STORMERS BLESSED WITH FLYHALF DEPTH
Of course, although the way Snyman talked suggested otherwise, there is no guarantee that Feinberg-Mngomezulu will start at flyhalf in his first game back.
Jurie Matthee did well in the last game against the Bulls and, judging from the way he dealt with the wet weather duel with the Vodacom Bulls last time out, Matthee remains a good horses-for-courses option should the northern hemisphere winter suddenly make a reappearance.
In fact, one of Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s best performances for the Stormers was when he played inside centre alongside Matthee against the Sharks in Durban last February.
Given that Damian Willemse can also play there, the Stormers are particularly blessed when it comes to flyhalf depth. But this is a gilt edged opportunity for Feinberg-Mngomezulu to slot into the role and take charge.
He’s good enough to considerably improve the Stormers’ chances of going deep in the URC if he can rise above the injury plague and stay on the field.
For Erasmus seeing Feinberg-Mngomezulu getting an extended run in the position he may be most needed at international level is probably akin to manna from heaven too.