Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu says his spell on the sidelines has only strengthened his appreciation for the Springbok jersey as he prepares to make his return when South Africa face Argentina national rugby union team in Buenos Aires on Saturday night.
The talented flyhalf will earn his 20th Test cap after recovering from injury, having spent months watching from the outside while working his way back to full fitness. During his rehabilitation, he even travelled to Johannesburg to watch the Springboks take on England from the stands, an experience he believes reminded him just how special it is to represent his country.
It was frustrating not being able to contribute, especially knowing the team was playing, Feinberg-Mngomezulu said.
But I used that period to improve areas of my game that I normally wouldn’t have had time to focus on. Watching the team from the stands gave me a different perspective and reminded me what it means to be part of this group.
He returns alongside several key Springboks who have also recovered from injury, including captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg.
Despite his excitement about returning, Feinberg-Mngomezulu stressed that his focus is on fitting seamlessly back into the Springbok system rather than trying to do too much.
The team functions well regardless of who is selected. My job is simply to contribute, manage my responsibilities and continue building from where I left off,he said.
Saturday’s clash will also reunite him with experienced scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, whose guidance has played an important role in his development.
He has always looked after me. I remember before my first Test against New Zealand when I wanted to attempt a long-range penalty and he encouraged me to go for it. Moments like that define our relationship. He’s still incredibly fit, quick and his experience is invaluable.
The 23-year-old is expecting another physical battle against Los Pumas, recalling last season’s narrow victory over Argentina as a reminder of the challenge awaiting the world champions.
They pushed us all the way the last time we played them. There are plenty of lessons from that game, and personally I know there are areas where I can improve. I’m approaching this match with humility and I’m ready to do my job.
South Africa face Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires, with kick-off scheduled for 21:10 (SAST).
Albornoz ruled out after suspension
Argentina have also been dealt a significant setback ahead of the Rugby Championship opener after flyhalf Tomás Albornoz received a four-match suspension following misconduct towards match officials after Argentina’s Nations Championship fixture against England on 18 July.
The disciplinary committee found that Albornoz’s conduct towards referee Angus Gardner amounted to intimidation. While limited physical contact occurred, it formed part of repeated confrontations with the match official, during which teammates were forced to intervene.
His suspension has been reduced from the standard six-match entry point after he admitted the charge, agreed to issue public and private apologies and was credited for his previously clean disciplinary record.
Albornoz will miss:
- Argentina vs South Africa (8 August)
- Argentina vs Australia (29 August)
- Argentina vs Australia (5 September)
- Toulon vs Stade Rochelais (12 September)
Springbok starting XV
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter.
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon, Cobus Wiese, Marco van Staden, Morne van den Berg and Handré Pollard.
Images:Springboks (twitter)