Feinberg-Mngomezulu reacts to Springboks’ statement win over France

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu says the Springboks are living “all of our dreams” in the international arena, playing with pride and passion as they enjoyed a statement 32-17 Quilter Nations Series win over France last weekend.

At just 23, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has already achieved a lot in the Springboks jersey, including a Player of the Match performance in one of the most highly anticipated Tests of the year – a clash between quarter-final rivals from the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

South Africa knocked France out of their home World Cup with a thrilling 29-28 win at Stade de France, which was the first in a series of one-point wins for the Boks as they went on to defend their champions crown.

Handre Pollard was one of the many heroes for the Boks on that unforgettable October night in Saint-Denis, and two years later, it was Feinberg-Mngomezulu who stole the show. The young No. 10 was a standout, with some missed shots at goal mere blips on a classy performance.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored 17 points, drawing level with what France managed as a collective throughout the 80 minutes. After a red card to Lood de Jager just before the break, the playmaker stood tall as the Boks celebrated captain Siya Kolisi’s 100^th with another famous win in Paris.

“I’m part of such an incredible team, man,” Feinberg-Mngomezulu said on the broadcast.

“Playing for my country on a Saturday, that’s my dream. It’s all of our dreams.

“I’m just happy we won with 15 points here today and made Siya’s day.

“I got injured on the 28^th of December against the Sharks and we chatted after the game and he just told me to hold tight and that we’re going to make memories together. Since then we’ve won a Rugby Championship, a Freedom Cup, we’ve won a tough away game [against France].

“It’s been incredible. [Kolisi] has done so much for me and the whole country. He’s a real leader and someone who leads by example.”

When de Jager was sent from the field for a high tackle, the Boks trailed France by just one point. France built on that lead with a Tomos Ramos penalty midway through the second term, before a yellow card to lively winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey changed the game.

South Africa took control during those 10 minutes, with Andre Esterhuizen and Grant Williams scoring a try each. With the Boks leading by eight points, Feinberg-Mngomezulu sealed the victory with the team’s fourth try of the evening.

“We’re prepared for moments like this, having a red card on the field,” Kolisi explained.

“The coach said, he told us, it might happen because of the intensity of the game and how physical it was going to be, and we said you know what, if it happens, so be it. Just keep on moving.

“That’s exactly what we did. I’m so proud of the boys today.”