Dobson: 'Special' Sacha back better than before

Today at 09:44 AM

John Dobson hailed Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s remarkable progression as the DHL Stormers playmaker prepares to make his first appearance of the season in Saturday’s Vodacom URC derby against the Sharks.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who suffered a knee injury while playing for the Springboks during the Rugby Championship, has been handed the No 10 jersey ahead of Manie Libbok, with the latter named among the replacements.

Speaking about Feinberg-Mngomezulu's return, Dobson credited the Springboks for accelerating the 22-year-old's development.

"I must give the Springboks enormous credit for Sacha's growth," said Dobson. "Last year, he was playing games at City Park in Athlone, captaining our U21 team.

"Just seeing him grow up after that… we always knew, when he came on in that quarter-final against Edinburgh a couple of years ago, that he's special.

“The progression and the growth has been so fast. He's a better player than he was before he left for the Boks. He has incredible maturity, competitiveness, game awareness. He is something very, very special.

“Credit to the Springboks; he definitely improved in that environment."

Feinberg-Mngomezulu's selection comes at a crucial time for the Stormers, who are looking to bounce back from an inconsistent start to their campaign.

Dobson emphasised the significance of having the flyhalf available again after concerns over his fitness.

"We are really lucky with the timing of this. He could've gone on the end-of-year tour, but then we would've been pushing him with the double-injury to his knee. To have him back… he is magnificent," Dobson said.

"He just has to stay fit, and he will be something very special, for both the Stormers and South African rugby.”

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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