VIDEO: Ellis Park duel was a 'dogfight' says Bok star
VIDEO: Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu summed up the battle at Ellis Park against the All Blacks in one word on Saturday – it was a ‘dogfight’.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s tally of 16 points from the tee helped the Springboks secure a nail-biting 31-27 victory over the All Blacks.
Despite missing his first conversion attempt and a drop goal, the flyhalf came through with flying colours.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Feinberg-Mngomezulu displayed an old head on his young shoulders as he reflected on the fightback of the Boks.
“We spoke about soft moments, but at the end, there were no soft moments. Great defence, great discipline in their half to keep them strangled,” said Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
“It says a lot about the buy-in, the individuals and the respect that we have for our coaches and our supporters. That was a dog fight out there.”
“That was a dogfight out there,” said Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the media centre, gesturing towards the field.
“It wasn’t our cleanest, most clinical performance, which is good for next week. To come out with a ‘W’ against the All Blacks at Ellis Park when things are not going your way summarises the Springboks.”
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He acknowledged that the performance was not faultless as the All Blacks managed to turn mistakes by the hosts into points, scoring three tries early on the back of unforced errors.
After he missed that first conversion attempt, the 22-year-old was seen talking to the referee and pointing to the big screen.
“The shot clock wasn’t up. I had no way of seeing it.
“Apparently the ref said ‘five seconds’ but with 60,000 people here it was hard to hear. I was just frustrated I did not get the opportunity to see the shot clock.
“I’m just happy it wasn’t a two-point game.
“That was a potential game-defining moment.”
What a game, and what a performance from Sacha 😍
Thank you Joburg, you showed up 🙏#Springboks#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/ZrgGprR0hr
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 31, 2024
Scrumhalf Grant Williams, who was one of the try-scorers, added that the Springboks need to stay focused in the week leading up to the second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town this weekend.
“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 it is going to be equally as tough, if not tougher.”
