Feinberg-Mngomezulu shatters record as Boks thrash Argentina
images: The independent
Feinberg-Mngomezulu
by Lwandiso Simanga
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered a performance for the ages as South Africa overpowered Argentina 67-30 in a high-octane Rugby Championship clash at Kings Park. The 22-year-old flyhalf scored a remarkable 37 points, including a hat-trick of tries, to eclipse Percy Montgomery’s 2007 record of 35 points in a single Test.
The contest began tightly, with both sides trading penalties. Santiago Carreras punished repeated Springbok infringements to nudge the Pumas ahead, but South Africa soon found their rhythm. Malcolm Marx’s rolling-maul try gave the hosts momentum before a bizarre passage saw Cheslin Kolbe inadvertently set up Santiago Chocobares to score.
That moment sparked the Boks into life, as Feinberg-Mngomezulu showcased his attacking flair with a clever kick-and-chase try, followed by a weaving solo effort just before half-time to hand South Africa a slender 25-23 lead at the break.
Despite being reduced to 14 men early in the second half, the Springboks took control. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s pinpoint crossfield kick found Kolbe for a spectacular finish, before the flyhalf completed his hat-trick with a dazzling dummy that wrong-footed the Argentine defence. Argentina briefly responded through Tomas Albornoz, but by then the tide was irreversible.
From that point, the Boks ran riot. Their attacking interplay overwhelmed the Pumas, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu continued to dominate proceedings with unerring accuracy from the boot and fearless running with ball in hand. His 37-point haul etched his name into Springbok history and underlined his growing stature on the international stage.
The emphatic victory not only reaffirmed South Africa’s firepower but also set the stage for a decisive showdown at Twickenham. A win there will secure back-to-back Rugby Championship titles, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu at the heart of their title defence.
With this record-breaking display, the young flyhalf has transformed from rising talent to central figure in the Springboks’ quest for supremacy.