Springboks v All Blacks: TJ Perenara hails ‘one of the world’s best’ and Boks’ ‘fantastic’ rookie Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
TJ Perenara has praised Springboks half-backs Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach.
All Blacks icon TJ Perenara is wary of the threat posed by Springboks half-backs Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and believes their partnership will ‘only be good’ at Ellis Park.
The duo featured together in the opening fixture of the Rugby Championship, combining well in the 33-7 dismantling of the Wallabies. Importantly, they both contributed to the new-look Springboks attack, and looked comfortable in the set-up.
“Very good players”
Commenting on the performances of Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Perenara lauded the ‘fantastic rugby’ the Stormers ace is playing in his early Springboks career.
“I think they’re both very good players. Obviously, Sacha is young and new to the environment, but he’s playing some fantastic rugby. He’s shown at all levels how good he can be,” Perenara remarked.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu made his Springboks debut in their 41-13 over Wales, and after some impressive performances against Ireland and Portugal was thrust into the starting team for the opening two fixtures of the Rugby Championship against Australia.
He currently sits third in the table for points scored across the championship, notching 16 in the opening two Tests and has also notched one assist.
Praise for opposite number Reinach
Perenara also praised the work of his opposite number Reinach, detailing how his attacking approach is ‘one of the best in the world’.
“Then you have Cobus, who’s attacking game is one of the best in the world,” he told reporters ahead of the game.
“You see him running with the ball, and the speed that he injects into an offensive outfit, it’s only going to be good for them I think.”
Reinach was solid in the opening victory against the Wallabies, but crucially he combined well with Feinberg-Mngomezulu to get the best out of the fly-half. He made 52 passes in round one, and importantly gave quick-ball to allow the youngster to play off and put the Springboks attack on the front-foot.
As Perenara alluded too, his speed is also a real threat, which makes him a problem around the fringes. He sniped to good effect against the Wallabies, notching 25 meters from his seven carries.
