Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett says Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered a rare, all-round flyhalf performance in Durban.
The 23-year-old married game management with moments of individual brilliance during the Boks’ 67-30 win over Argentina, scoring a record 37 points, including a hat-trick of tries.
“The hype is only going to grow for this guy,” Mallett said on the Talking Boks podcast. “He’s got unbelievable self-confidence and outstanding physical attributes – speed, hand-eye coordination, an eye for a gap, and a real understanding of space. This was his first game where he completely imposed himself on the opposition.”
Mallett felt the opening spell belonged to Argentina – “in the first 20 minutes we weren’t in the game” – but said Feinberg-Mngomezulu ignited the Boks the moment they found tempo.
“They had most of the ball, we were stuck in our half and couldn’t get any fluency because we couldn’t exit. The moment we got fast, front-foot ball he was electric.”
What impressed Mallet the most was how Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu responded to momentum-shifting errors, including Cheslin Kolbe’s quick goal-line drop-out – intended for Damian Willemse – that gifted Argentina a try.
“After the Cheslin incident, Sacha put in the long kick, chased, and scored himself. Then, after we gave away the penalty try, he took control again – held the ball through multiple phases into first-half injury time and wriggled over himself. It was as if he took responsibility for the team in his own hands.”
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Mallett highlighted the quality of the playmaker’s decision-making and variety.
“His cross-kick to Cheslin [early in the second half] was so precise Kolbe didn’t need to break stride. Early on he grubbered, regathered, kicked again – we could have scored there too. He sees space so well.”
On selection, Mallett expects Bok coach Rassie Erasmus to keep competition hot.
“I think Rassie will stick to what he’s said all along: three players in every position. We saw what Manie [Libbok] did when he came on – he scored a miraculous try.
“But the most encouraging thing for me was that Sacha finished the game. He’s been physically fragile at times – committed in defence and attack – but today he got through it.
“No one is guaranteed a Test place under Rassie; he keeps pushing players to improve.”
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For historical context, Mallett reached for a gold standard.
“The last time I saw a flyhalf this complete was Dan Carter against the Lions in 2005 – drop, penalties, conversions, tries and decision-making.
“Today was the first time I’ve seen Sacha get it all right like that – taking gaps when they’re on, finding space with the long kick for himself, the cross-kick, the double kick on the grubber – constant scanning and choosing the right option.
“That puts us on the front foot and makes ruck speed so much easier for the forwards.”
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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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