“Completely Out on My Feet”: Sacha Opens Up On Overwhelming URC Debut
Stormers playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has reflected on his high-pressure 2022 URC quarter-final debut against Edinburgh as the Cape franchise prepares for their crucial 2026 United Rugby Championship playoff clash against Cardiff at DHL Stadium.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu was introduced off the bench to replace centre Rikus Pretorius, who had himself been drafted into the starting line-up following Damian Willemse’s absence.
With the Stormers preparing for another quarter-final clash — this time against Cardiff — the Cape Town-born star looked back fondly on his first appearance in Stormers colours.
“I made my debut in a URC quarter-final. I was 20 years old,” Feinberg-Mngomezulu recalled.
“I came on in front of an electric crowd after we had just scored a try, and that was my introduction to senior rugby.”
The Stormers went on to beat Edinburgh 28-17 before hosting a semi-final against Ulster and a final against the Bulls on their way to becoming the inaugural URC champions.
Despite the significance of the occasion, Feinberg-Mngomezulu admitted the step up to senior rugby was overwhelming at times as he adjusted to the intensity and pace of the professional game.
“It was the fastest tempo I had ever played at and incredibly physical,” he said.
“Edinburgh were a high-ball-in-play team at the time, with different running lines and pod setups. I was defending at 12, and you need experience to conserve energy and read the game properly — and I couldn’t read the game yet. I was completely out on my feet in that first match.
“It was a proper introduction to professional rugby.”
Feinberg-Mngomezulu also reflected on the recent debut of teenage sensation Markus Muller, who arrived amid considerable hype and excitement.
Muller made his Stormers debut against Glasgow Warriors and became the youngest player ever to represent the franchise at 18 years, nine months, and 19 days old, surpassing the previous record held by Damian Willemse, who debuted at 18 years, 10 months, and four days.
“The one moment I keep thinking about is Markus Muller’s debut,” Feinberg-Mngomezulu said.
“I experienced my debut in a quarter-final, and I didn’t have anything close to the hype he had. He received a standing ovation, and it really put into perspective how quickly four years can pass.
“Now I’m sitting on 50 caps, and this kid has one. Watching him have his moment and being on the field to experience it with him, knowing what he could do for this club in the future, is something that will stay with me for a long time.
“It was really special, and I can’t imagine what that moment must have felt like for him.”
