South Africans must appreciate the extraordinary talent of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, whose game-breaking impact will only improve the more he plays, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that the Springbok and Stormers flyhalf possesses that rare ability to process the game in “super slow motion” mentally while everything happens at a frantic pace around him.

He points to the 23-year-old’s remarkable achievements – winning a Vodacom URC title with the Stormers before capturing the U21 provincial championship as skipper, demonstrating natural leadership alongside his playing brilliance.

What impresses Keohane most is Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s complete skill set: ambidextrous kicking, acceleration, swerving ability and passing off either hand.

He cites standout performances against the All Blacks at Ellis Park last year and, recently, against Benetton as evidence of his influence, noting that Stormers’ point production increased 50% in his five starts at flyhalf so far this season.

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For Keohane, Feinberg-Mngomezulu evokes Dan Carter’s ability to unlock defences with casual ease.

“Sit back and be thankful that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is South African and plays for the Springboks. Be awed by what he does. Recognise the privilege it is to watch a wizard at work and a genius at play,” he writes.

“Individually there is nothing he can’t do, but the on-field experience I am talking about is game management, knowing when to play in second gear and when to put his engine into overdrive; knowing when to avoid contact and knowing that there will be occasions when his individualism will profit from playing off a teammate and not feeling he needs to make the play straight up.

“This all comes with more Test matches and more URC and Investec Champions Cup exposure.

“Acknowledge genius when it arrives. And just love the rugby gift that is tuning into Sacha FM on Saturdays.”

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