Flyhalf Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who is returning from injury to play against Argentina, shared his thoughts on his rehabilitation and his special partnership with Kobus Reinach.
International Rugby
Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu admitted that being on the bench during the final part of the season caused him frustration. However, this talented number 10 player is ready to actively participate in the match against Argentina this Saturday.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu is returning to international appearances at José Amalfitani Stadium, having missed the final stages of the United Rugby Championship with the Stormers due to injury. This setback also prevented him from participating in South Africa's early test matches in the World Cup of National Teams. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old playmaker used the forced break to improve his skills instead of focusing on the setback.
"Getting injured and not being able to help my team in the final stages of the URC was frustrating, and obviously, the situation with the Springboks was even more frustrating," Feinberg-Mngomezulu told reporters in Argentina.
He continued: "I am really not the type to dwell on things. I used this time to look at the game from a more tactical perspective and develop aspects of my game that I probably didn't have enough time for before. It wasn't pleasant to be on the sidelines, but I managed to get the most out of this rest period."
Feinberg-Mngomezulu is happy to start his first match of the season for the Springboks. He will start alongside experienced scrum-half Kobus Reinach. This pair formed a dynamic partnership in the half-back line during the 2025 season, and the young flyhalf expressed joy at having the 35-year-old veteran on his inside shoulder.
"I adore Kobus, above all else," Feinberg-Mngomezulu said with a smile. "I will never forget when we first played against the All Blacks; I wanted to try and score a goal from quite a distance, and he pointed me towards the posts. That will always be a special moment for me, and it defines our relationship. He really took me under his wing." He added that playing with him at his mature age, 37 or 38 (although he is actually 35, but likes to use the old card), is magnificent. Despite being more durable than most players and fast, it takes a lot of pressure off him, and he helps players like himself.
As the Springboks prepare for the series of greatest rivals in rugby against the All Blacks, the match on Saturday provides Feinberg-Mngomezulu with an important opportunity to regain match sharpness and lead the Bok attack in an atmosphere that should be hostile in Buenos Aires.
"I watched England's game at Elland Road, and all I can say is that the Springboks function regardless of who is in them," he added. "I just come to contribute to that, continue to develop our game and support its functioning, as well as take control of the departments that are important in my position. I am really trying to rebuild. I don't think I am too far behind because I worked very hard on my rehabilitation."
