Springbok rising star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is hoping that this is the start of great things for his future.  

Feinberg-Mngomezulu was given the first start in the first game of this year’s Rugby Championship as the Boks beat Australia 33-7 at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. It was the Boks’ first win in Australia since 2013 at the same venue.    

The 22-year-old’s start was fully deserved after a brilliant display in the test match against Portugal where he played as a full-back but still was able to pull the strings.  

He pulled the strings yet again on Saturday, this time in the fly-half role, along with a few line breakers moves and almost created a try out nowhere before Willie Le Roux was stopped in the 22.     

“It felt amazing (to get that win) and I’m thrilled that the guys could pull it together,” said Feinberg-Mngomezulu. 

“There was a lot of talk around the curse of Suncorp, so coming here, having a good training week, and executing things well on the day was great. I’m glad we achieved that, but it’s now behind us, and we have to go again next week.” 

The Springboks realized Saturday’s second Test against Australia in Perth would be a different kettle of fish altogether next weekend and while they soaked up the victory in Brisbane, the players and management realize they still had work to do as they headed west on Sunday. 

Feinberg Mngomezulu, who earned his first Test start in the encounter along with No 8 Elrigh Louw, said it was a memorable occasion, but despite being one of the younger players in the touring group, he was careful about getting carried away by the result. 

He was however thrilled to be part of the Bok squad for the Rugby Championship and said the senior players around him contributed immensely to his calm demeanour on the field. 

“It comes naturally, and to have double Rugby World Cup-winning champions around me helps because they bring a sense of comfort and security. I feel so at home here (in the Bok team) and it allows me to be myself on the field,” he said. 

Like most Springbok supporters, who have been immensely impressed with Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s meteoric rise to stardom this season, the player himself hoped that this was only the start of a great journey in the green and gold. 

“It’s my crown year, so I believe crown years are special. It’s been an awesome year,” said the talented young utility. 

“To rub shoulders with my heroes and make the step up to where they are now my teammates is a dream come true. And hopefully, this is just a building block for the future.”