STATS: Can Feinberg-Mngomezulu surpass Carter?
STAT ATTACK: South Africa’s wunderkind Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has proved that he can hold his own against the best, but how does he compare to the great Daniel Carter?
Many believe it is unfair to compare eras, a stance I agree with to a certain degree.
Every now and then a generational talent comes through and becomes a household name in no time.
Think Naas Botha, Danie Gerber, John Eales, Richie McCaw, Johnny Wilkinson, Jonah Lomu, Joost van der Westhuizen, Fourie du Preez and many more.
Of course, the one name on a team sheet that instilled fear in opposition teams between the early 2000s and the mid-2010s was Dan Carter.
Who could forget his flawless performance in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions in 2005 where he scored 33 of his side’s 48 points, or his respective drop goals in the 2015 World Cup semifinal and Final to get his side out of danger and ultimately going on to lift the coveted trophy?
The article continues below…
He was just that good.
Now there is a new kid on the block wearing green and gold who appears to be cut from a similar cloth in terms of talent.
Feinberg Mngomezulu was merely a one-year-old when Carter made his All Blacks debut.
Ironically enough, both players made their Test debuts against Wales and emerged victorious.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu has played eight Tests to date. @rugby365com has weighed up the Stormers playmaker’s Test stats to that of Dan Carter’s first eight Tests.
Carter’s first eight Tests came against Wales followed by France (twice), Australia, Italy, Canada, Tonga and South Africa amounting to 91 Test points scored and he won all eight Tests for a 100 percent winning success rate.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s Test career has been a bit tougher. Following his debut against Wales, he played against Portugal before facing Ireland, Australia and New Zealand twice.
His points total so far in Test rugby is 52. The late loss against Ireland in Durban gives him an 87.5 percent winning record in a Bok jersey.
The SA Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year is hitting top form for the Stormers following his return from a knee injury sustained during the 2024 Rugby Championship and it could have a big influence on the Springboks’ 2025 Test season which includes two away matches against New Zealand.
Will Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu surpass Daniel Carter in future? Let us know in the comments.
