VIDEO: Sacha beaming after 'loud and proud' crowd
PARIS, FRANCE: In no way was the atmosphere at Stade de France against the French intimidating for Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and in fact, he feels rugby needs more of it.
The No.10 put in a stand-out performance in South Africa’s 32-17 win over Les Bleus despite the rowdy crowd, who did not hesitate to boo him and whistle loudly while he was attempting his goal kicking.
He kicked two successful penalty goals, helping keep the Springboks in contention early in a match where France had initial momentum.
He also scored, converting it as well, thereby adding both running threat and goal-kicking to his impact.
He helped control the tempo post-red card when South Africa was down to 14 men, delivering composure and direction when the pressure was highest.
At 23, he is increasingly becoming the focal point for the Springboks at flyhalf, combining physicality, running lines, and kicking prowess.
In a hostile environment, against a French side desperate for redemption, his performance underlines his rising status and importance to the team.
This was a performance that not only impacted the match result but also left a statement about his growing role in the team.
Asked if it was possibly the most difficult environment he has played in up to now, and if he had ever been booed like that before, the classy No.10 responded with a smile and an answer that was not expected.
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“Maybe by like 9000 people, not 81,000, I can say that much.
“Ja man, these types of things, rugby needs it. Football has it – rugby needs hostile environments.
“Proud and loud crowds, that’s what makes historic moments,” he stated.
The No.10 explained that the team was properly prepared for anything that the French team and their supporters could throw at the Springboks, and they went into the game with no fear.
“No, we were never afraid. We knew that there were going to be challenges today [Saturday]; we spoke about that, and we were so prepared for it.
“The coach did an amazing job; the coaches throughout the week were preparing us for any sort of hardships during the game, and we were so, so focused.
“Nothing was going to flip us.
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“Ellis Park against the All Blacks last year was something similar, but when it’s your home crowd, it’s different.
“In no way was it intimidating, but it can definitely snap you out of focus, which is something that is a work-on, to remain focused, to breathe, and remain calm.
“It was an honour, a special one.
“I think win or lose, that would be a great memory, always.”
Talented as he is, to play at the highest level always comes with some level of criticism as well, and the young flyhalf is no exception.
Some analysts have flagged that he sometimes tries to do too much on the field and tries to pull off the impossible rather than sticking to simple, effective play. This has been seen as arrogant by some critics.
But thanks to the team dynamics within the Springbok system, he has not allowed these types of comments to affect him or his game.
“In this environment, I feel so safe and at home. It just allows me to keep pursuing my rugby even harder and contribute to a team effort like today [Saturday].
“And those things just filter out. They are not important to me.
“What’s important to me is that we win, keep our number one world ranking, and keep the people at home proud. As long as I can keep doing that, I don’t mind any backlash.
“I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to perform, and maybe that’s why I’ve landed up in this position.
“I enjoy it, man. Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie.
“There’s a different type of pressure at home, and this is the type of pressure I love.”
Image Brad Roberts
