Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will have many golden moments for the Boks and Stormers, but it won’t change the impact of their recent decisions against Ulster, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane lauds the immense talent of the playmakers but is scathing of their rash behaviour in the Stormers’ 38-34 loss on Friday in Belfast in round 14 of the Vodacom URC.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu, whom he affectionately calls “SAFM”, dazzled early but undid his good work with an unnecessary elbow on winger Rob Baloucoune before half time. His yellow card led to an Ulster try, shifting momentum in a game the Stormers had led 17-0.
Keohane argues that Willemse compounded the damage with a reckless defensive decision immediately after the break, gifting Ulster another seven points.
He finds it unfathomable that two world-class backs could make such basic errors, turning what should have been a comfortable win into a self-inflicted defeat.
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With four home games left for the Stormers to secure a URC playoff spot, Keohane believes redemption is possible for Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Willemse, by ensuring that moments of brilliance are not undone by poor judgement.
“Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Willemse are two of the best backs in world rugby. They would start in any team in the world. They are that good,” he writes.
“But the stupidity each showed, in defensive judgement, was inexcusable in Belfast. Neither act was ever going to benefit their teammates. Neither act should have happened.
“I am dumbfounded that these two special talents could create such chaos to a team collective with such poor decision-making.
“Both will have golden moments, at home for the Stormers in the last four league games, and for the Springboks, but it won’t change the history of Friday night in Belfast.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
