The Bok halfbacks were ecstatic about the team’s 31-27 victory over the All Blacks in the first of two home Tests in Johannesburg. Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicked 16 points in the win, while Williams’ try handed the hosts the lead five minutes before the end of an epic Test.
The win, which marked the Boks’ third in a row in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, saw them stretch their lead at the top of the table. South Africa currently lead the competition on 14 points, ahead of New Zealand (six points), Argentina (five) and Australia (four), who recorded their maiden win of the championship over the Pumas on Saturday.
The victory over the All Blacks was also the Boks’ third win in a row over their arch-rivals and while both Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Williams described the victory as “special” – particularly given the emphasis in the media last week about the team’s disappointing track record against the All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park – the Bok halfbacks made it clear that they wanted to build on that next week before facing Argentina in Santiago and Nelspruit later in the month with an eye on trying to clinch the title for the first time since 2019.
“It was special,” said Feinberg-Mngomezulu. “I think our preparation in the week was valuable going into the match, especially with all the players putting the team first and helping each other. We put our best foot forward and the crowd was amazing, which always helps getting us through such tough games.”
Williams was equally thrilled about the result after they fought their way back from 27-17 down to snatch the victory: “It was special for the group as a whole. We placed a big emphasis on sticking together, especially during the tough times, so we are happy about the result. The last time I faced them was in New Zealand last year and we got a hiding in that match, so it was a great feeling to get a victory against them this time.”
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicked 16 points in the Boks' win in Joburg.
With the match now behind them, they immediately turned their focus to what is expected to be another epic encounter against their 2023 Rugby World Cup final opponents in Cape Town and said it would take another massive team effort to build on that result.
“We don’t want a repeat of losing the second Test, like what happened against Ireland in July, and that’s something we pushed for in Australia,” said Feinberg-Mngomezulu, referring to the back-to-back wins over the Wallabies last month.
“So, if we can be as hungry and determined next week and get a good result, it would take us one step closer to hopefully securing the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title.”
Williams echoed his flyhalf’s sentiments: “Attempting win the competition is a massive goal for us, so we need to ensure that we maintain the consistency in our performances.”
The nippy scrumhalf insisted the players’ feet were still firmly on the ground, and Williams was certain that complacency would not creep in despite the Boks’ impressive showing in the competition so far.
“We are pleased with how we are growing as a team, but I don’t think we’ll take our foot off the gas,” said Williams. “We are really looking forward to next week’s match, and we know is going to be equally as tough, if not tougher.”
The Springboks made the journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town on Sunday and will resume their on-field preparations for the match on Monday.
