Naas Botha Tips Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to Redefine the Flyhalf Role
Springbok legend Naas Botha has thrown his full support behind rising star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, backing the 23-year-old to take flyhalf play to “another level” as his influence in South African rugby continues to grow.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu has enjoyed a remarkable season, taking on increased responsibility with the Stormers and wearing the captain’s armband for the first time in January. His maturity, composure and attacking flair at number 10 have already seen him regarded as one of the standout playmakers in world rugby.
Despite fierce competition for the flyhalf position in the Springbok set-up, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has emerged as a leading contender, even ahead of seasoned internationals such as Handré Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jordan Hendrikse and Chris Smith.
While head coach Rassie Erasmus has yet to officially confirm his first-choice option, the young playmaker’s form has made a compelling case.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Botha questioned the constant tendency to compare players, arguing that such debates miss the bigger picture.
“There’s always talk about who’s better than who,” Botha said. “But it depends on what the coach wants for a specific game. If he believes a certain player fits that plan, then that’s the right choice.”
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s recent achievements underline his rapid rise. During the Rugby Championship, he scored his first Test try against Argentina and went on to break Percy Montgomery’s long-standing record for the most points by a South African in a single Test match.
On the Springboks’ November tour, he crossed the try line against Japan, France, Ireland and Wales, also setting a new record for tries by a Springbok flyhalf.
His performances earned him nominations for SA Rugby’s Men’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, while comparisons with legendary All Black Dan Carter have already begun to surface.
Botha, however, believes Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s impact could go even further.
“He’s proving a point,” Botha said. “I honestly think he’s going to change the way flyhalf is played. Right now, he’s full of confidence, and confidence is everything for a sportsman. Let him keep playing and let us appreciate what we’re witnessing.”
As Feinberg-Mngomezulu continues to break records and set new standards, South African rugby may well be watching the emergence of a generational talent at flyhalf.
Credit SportsBoom: link: https://www.sportsboom.co.za/rugby/exclusive-naas-botha-sacha-feinbergmngomezulu-will-take-flyhalf-play-to-another-level
