— Cape Town Breyton Paulse believes that Sacha Mngomezulu may be a better fit for the Springboks than his teammate Manie Libbok.
On Thursday’s media call for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, the former Springbok and Stormers star was joined by ex-Wales center Jamie Roberts, who also had a brief time with the Cape side.
Although he is a specialist flyhalf, Mngomezulu made headlines over the weekend with an outstanding performance at inside centre for the defending champions in their 37-20 victory over Zebre Parma in Italy.
The 20-year-old captain of the Junior Boks scored 22 points via a try, four conversions, and three penalties, and he varied his play in a classy manner at No. 12 while assisting Libbok with playmaking responsibilities.
A few days later, it was reported in the British press that his father, who is English, could be recruited by Eddie Jones to play for England.
John Dobson, coach of the Stormers, stated on Thursday that although Mngomezulu owns a British passport, he is under contract with the Cape side until 2025 and he believes the teenager will “stay put” in Cape Town.
Paulse, who rose to notoriety as a 20-year-old when he was selected for the 1996 end-of-year trip to Argentina, France, and Wales with the Springboks, stated that Mngomezulu possessed all the necessary qualities to become a world-class pivot.
“Sacha Mngomezulu possesses a remarkable talent. We’ve all seen it. He captained the junior South African team that competed in Italy. I must say, he possesses leadership abilities. The 46-year-old commented, “He has it all – he can play and has great anticipation for the game.”
“He has the qualities and potential to be a top player. People like John Dobson will ensure he maintains his composure.
“However, he possesses all the qualities necessary to become a really outstanding player. I am aware that it is still early, but he must certainly prove himself at the greatest level. Together with Junior Pokomela, he was the lone bright spot for me on a nearly lifeless Stormers squad during the previous week.
Therefore, Mngomezulu has everything. He is a superb rugby player, and I believe he will reach the top level if given the proper opportunity and managed effectively.
“However, by stating this, he will be tested. Especially when young players emerge, they attract attention, and he will be a target. It remains to be seen how the team will look this weekend, but he is a player for both the present and the future. I look forward to his development, since he is an exceptional rugby player.”
Paulse, who has 64 caps, stated of a Mngomezulu Bok call-up for the next tour of the United Kingdom and Europe, “It will happen sooner or later.” It may be a tad early for the Boks to take him on tour in November. However, as Jamie (Roberts) notes, coaches today are not afraid to give players opportunities.
“Canan Moodie, for example, is a 19-year-old winger for the Bulls who has also debuted for the Boks. Coaches are not afraid to provide players with opportunities. It would not surprise me if they gave him a chance.
“The sooner he is integrated into the system, the better. Then there are rumors that Manie Libbok will make the squad at the end of the year… Each of these players contributes unique qualities to the game.
“Manie is a player with a lot of flare and likes to play spontaneously, which makes it somewhat tough for him to play against the Boks” (to fit in). Sacha Mngomezulu, on the other hand, has a bit more of everything in his game — he can play with flair and within a system.
“However, these are exciting times for South Africa, as a large number of new players are emerging, which can only bode well for South African rugby.”
Mngomezulu will return to action on Friday against the Ospreys in Swansea (8:35pm SA time kickoff), for which Dobson nominated him to the Stormers’ bench on Thursday.
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