Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: ‘Hungry’ Springboks ‘determined’ to avoid Ireland blunder against All Blacks
Springboks utility back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Springboks halfback duo Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Grant Williams stressed the importance of remaining consistent in this year’s Rugby Championship.
After winning consecutive matches against the Wallabies in Brisbane and Perth, the Boks also beat the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg over the weekend and will be determined to repeat that result against their old foes when they meet in Cape Town on Saturday.
South Africa‘s unbeaten status means they are setting the pace at the top of the Rugby Championship standings with 14 points amassed from their three Tests played while New Zealand occupy second spot (six points) while Argentina and Australia are in third and fourth positions with five and four points gained respectively.
Following their win over the All Blacks, the Boks turn their focus to their clash with their arch-rivals in Cape Town and Feinberg-Mngomezulu believes another excellent all-round team effort will be needed to retain their unbeaten status in the competition.
Keen to avoid what happened against Ireland
“We don’t want a repeat of losing the second Test, like what happened against Ireland in July, and that’s something we pushed for in Australia,” said Feinberg-Mngomezulu, referring to last month’s back-to-back victories over the Wallabies.
“So, if we can be as hungry and determined next week and get a good result, it would take us one step closer to hopefully securing the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title.”
Williams echoed the young playmaker’s sentiments, saying: “Attempting to win the competition is a massive goal for us, so we need to ensure that we maintain the consistency in our performances.”
The Sharks scrum-half, who scored the match-winning try at Ellis Park, is adamant that the Springbok players are grounded after their excellent start to this year’s Rugby Championship.
“We are pleased with how we are growing as a team, but I don’t think we’ll take our foot off the gas,” said Williams. “We are really looking forward to next week’s match, and we know is going to be equally as tough, if not tougher.”
The Boks head into their rematch with the All Blacks in a confident mood after clinching a come-from-behind 31-27 victory in Johannesburg in which Williams scored one of their tries and Feinberg-Mngomezulu finished with a 16-point haul after slotting four penalties and a couple of conversions.
“It was special,” said Feinberg-Mngomezulu. “I think our preparation in the week was valuable going into the match, especially with all the players putting the team first and helping each other.
‘The crowd was amazing’
“We put our best foot forward and the crowd was amazing, which always helps getting us through such tough games.”
Williams was equally delighted about that result after the world champions clawed their way back from a 27-17 deficit to claim the victory.
“It was special for the group as a whole,” he said. “We placed a big emphasis on sticking together, especially during the tough times, so we are happy about the result.
“The last time I faced them was in New Zealand last year and we got a hiding in that match, so it was a great feeling to get a victory against them this time.”
