Sacha Ready For Test Return

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is set to return to the Springbok setup with a renewed appreciation for the game after overcoming the frustration of a lengthy ankle injury that sidelined him during a crucial stage of the season.

The talented playmaker suffered the injury while scoring a try for the Stormers against Cardiff at DHL Stadium in the United Rugby Championship quarterfinal, a setback that ruled him out of the semifinal against Leinster as well as the Springboks’ Nations Championship opening matches.

Although disappointed to miss the opportunity to help both the Stormers and the Springboks, Feinberg-Mngomezulu refused to let the injury define his season.

“No injury is nice. We got so far in the URC, only to get taken out, and not to be able to help my team was frustrating. Then obviously the Springbok equation was even more frustrating,” he said.

Rather than dwelling on the disappointment, the 24-year-old used his rehabilitation period to improve other aspects of his game.

“I had Andy, our strength and conditioning coach, on the phone. I spoke to a few people who helped me. I’m really not one to dwell. I used the time to look at the game from a more technical aspect and to develop areas of my game that I probably didn’t have time to work on before,” he admitted.

“It was disastrous when it happened, and it wasn’t enjoyable, but I made the most of the time off.”

His absence also created opportunities for other players to impress, with the likes of Quan Horn and Vusi Moyo making the most of their chances during the Nations Championship.

Now back in the Springbok environment, Feinberg-Mngomezulu believes having experienced scrumhalf Cobus Reinach alongside him will make his return considerably easier.

The pair have built a strong understanding during their time together at the Stormers, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu credits Reinach with playing an important role both on and off the field.

“I love Cobus. I’ll never forget the first time we played the All Blacks. I wanted to take a shot at goal from a long way out, and he was the one who pointed at the posts for me.

“That will forever stick out. It defines our relationship,” he said of his halfback partner.

“We are good buddies, but he also takes me under his wing. I love that guy, and sharing the field with him at his ripe old age of 36 is brilliant and takes a lot of pressure off me,” Feinberg-Mngomezulu added with a laugh in reference to Reinach’s age.

As he prepares to return to Test rugby, Feinberg-Mngomezulu insists his focus is not on making headlines but on contributing to the team’s continued success.

Having watched the Springboks defeat England from the stands at Loftus Versfeld during his rehabilitation, he was reminded of the squad’s depth and resilience.

“I went to Loftus to watch the game against England, and the one thing that’s evident is that the Springbok team functions no matter who is in the picture.

“I’m just coming in trying to facilitate that, keep progressing our game and ensure we continue functioning well. All I can do is take control of the areas that matter in my position. I am trying to build again,” added the talented playmaker.

Despite spending months on the sidelines, Feinberg-Mngomezulu believes the hard work he put in during rehabilitation has left him well prepared for the challenge ahead.

“I don’t feel like I am too far behind because I worked really hard during rehab, but I want to build what I can towards the squad.

“I’m not coming in with a big head. I am really humble and ready to do my job.”