Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse are under no illusions about the task that awaits the Boks in Paris and Dublin over the next two Nations Championship Tests.
The Springboks face France this Friday at the Stade de France, followed by Ireland and then the finals weekend from 27-29 November in London.
The world champions scored nine tries in a 66-7 win over Italy on Saturday, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributing 26 points and Willemse also dotting down as Rassie Erasmus’ men raced into a 45-0 half-time lead.
PLUS: Bok champ replaces crocked rookie
“It was far from a perfect performance from us [in Turin], we’ve got a lot to work on for the next three big fixtures,” Feinberg-Mngomezulu said. “But to tick a box at a very passionate and packed stadium was great.
“The nice thing with these back-to-back fixtures is your preparation from week to week all accumulates by the time you need it most.
“Next week, we’ll go in with two weeks of prep behind us, which will help us build on the good foundation we’ve already set.
“It’s a confidence-booster but also a great reality check that we’re not near where we need to be, and it’s a special feeling getting into a change room and not being 100% happy with the performance you put out there although the scoreline looked good.”
WATCH: Sacha turns it on against Azzurri
Willemse added: “Our start in the first half was crucial and on top of that, our conversion rate and chances we created was key, especially when we got into their 22.
“That’s something we’ll be happy with. But there’s things we have to improve on going to Paris, and facing a top French team. We know what we’re going to be in for there.”
The playmakers both started last year’s clash in the French capital, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu scoring 17 points via a try, three conversions and two penalties.
Les Bleus led 14-13 at the break and Bok Lood de Jager was sent off before the interval, but the visitors scored 19 unanswered points in the final 20 minutes to win 32-17.
ALSO: Krappie nitpicks Boks’ Italian job
“Last year was a tough match and only in the 70th minute did we manage to break through them and get the victory,” Willemse recalled.
“We’re just focused on the areas we need to improve on, and then we’ll take it from there. It’s going to be a massive one.”
Photo: Simone Arveda/Getty Images
The post Sacha, Gaza get a reality check appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse are under no illusions about the task that awaits the Boks in Paris and Dublin over the next two Nations Championship Tests.
The post Sacha, Gaza get a reality check appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
