John Dobson’s verdict Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: ‘It’s a big blow’
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and an inset of John Dobson.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is set to miss the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship semi-final after sustaining what John Dobson predicts is a ‘serious’ ankle injury.
The Springboks fly-half was in fine form on Saturday afternoon as the Stormers marched to a 44-21 victory over Cardiff to book their place in the final four of the competition.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu update
However, the result has come at a major cost for Dobson and his men after Feinberg-Mngomezulu sustained his injury in the act of scoring his try. He subsequently limped off the pitch after crossing the whitewash and was seen using crutches after the game.
Speaking to the media after the match, Dobson gave a concerning update on the star fly-half and predicts that he will be unavailable for the semi-final against either Leinster or the Lions.
“It was a costly quarter-final,” the Stormers coach said after the match. “Sacha’s injury looks pretty serious to be honest.
“The doctor’s given me some views, but I don’t think it’s worth quoting him before his scans but it looks like a proper ankle injury.
“He was cramping a bit before then and looked uncomfortable when he started running back. We haven’t confirmed anything yet, but it’s concerning.”
While the Stormers boss was understandably disappointed by the injury, he is confident that the team can pull together, particularly after replacement pivot Jurie Matthee’s performance in the latter stages of the game.
Confidence in Jurie Matthee
Matthee, who donned the number 10 jersey when Feinberg-Mngomezulu was away with the Springboks, slotted a conversion and penalty in the final quarter to see the Stormers to victory.
“It’s a big blow,” Dobson added. “But whenever we take a knock, this group tends to pull together and fight.
“We’ve lost probably the most in-form young player in world rugby the week before a semi-final, which is far from ideal. But the way Jurie Matthee is playing and the fight in this squad gives me confidence that we’ll find a way.”
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Feinberg-Mngomezulu is not the only injury setback for the Stormers with Dobson confirming that lock Ruben van Heerden suffered a head injury and is likely to be stood down to follow return-to-play protocols. Winger Seabelo Senatla could also be ruled out for similar reasons after he collided with the advertising boards when going over for a try that was ultimately ruled out. Finally, Dan du Plessis also sustained a knee injury that is bound to rule him out of the final-four clash too.
“He was HIA category one. He was knocked out, so he won’t play next week,” Dobson said about Senatla.
“I thought he was absolutely magnificent. For a guy who has been out for so long, his work in the air, his defence and his work rate were outstanding. That’s a hell of a blow for us.”
The Stormers will travel to Dublin for the URC semi-finals if Leinster beat the Lions but will remain in Cape Town and host the Joburgers if they upset the Irish giants.
