The Springboks thrashed Italy 66-7 in their Nations Championship opener, but one incident involving Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has divided fans.
The 24-year-old was outstanding at fly-half as South Africa ran riot.
He scored an early try, pulled the strings in attack and caused Italy problems throughout.
His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
However, one moment has sparked debate among supporters.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu took a blow to the jaw and appeared reluctant to leave the field after losing his mouthguard.
Footage showed the fly-half seemingly ignoring teammate Damian Willemse, who had come on to replace him.
Willemse appeared to say something to Feinberg-Mngomezulu, but the youngster looked frustrated as he made his way off.
The incident has since split opinion.
Some fans have questioned the fly-half's attitude, while others believe his reaction was simply frustration at being taken off.
The collision may have looked relatively minor, but head injuries are taken seriously in rugby.
Despite the controversy, Feinberg-Mngomezulu's performance was one of the biggest talking points from South Africa's dominant victory.
The Springboks will now look to build on that result as their autumn campaign continues.
Fans react to Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu incident
The original video of the incident, posted on X, was captioned, "Sacha Mngomezulu needs an attitude adjustment," suggesting that some believe his reaction was unwarranted and indicative of a poor attitude.
However, many fans disagreed, arguing that his response was simply frustration at being forced off the field in those circumstances.
Others suggested that even if Feinberg-Mngomezulu does have an attitude problem, his performances justify it.
One fan wrote: "He was confused as to why he should be going off for a HIA. Gaza is his big mate. Nothing there."
Another added: "Not a fan of him, but he backs that attitude with game results, ngl."
A third defended the fly-half's reaction, saying: "Wrong he was frustrated coming off for an HIA mouthguard pinged for his jaw…"
However, not everyone was convinced, with one supporter questioning his behaviour and suggesting he needs to adapt to the Springboks' culture.
"I don't know. Damian had his arm outstretched long before SFM looked back. He obviously saw him. I think SFM is a bit full of himself.
"That football style twirling finger gesture he made after kicking into touch is testament to that. He thinks he's the Springbok "golden boy". He needs to humble himself if he's to fit into Springbok culture. Damian is his senior and a much better player than SFM."
One fan even compared Feinberg-Mngomezulu to England's Henry Pollock, suggesting there is a difference between confidence and selfishness.
"I think a good comparison is pollock. Pollock js a show boater but never sulks he gets on peoples nerves but he brings results and team focused. He plays his role to get under the skin of the opposition. Sacha is 150% only about him self and vain beyond recognition."
Five interesting facts about Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- 🌹 England wanted him: Eddie Jones reportedly tried to persuade him to represent England in 2022, but he chose South Africa.
- 🏫 Welsh connection: He spent three months at Llandovery College in Wales as an exchange student.
- ⚽ Almost a footballer: He attended trials with Ajax Cape Town and was also a talented cricketer before choosing rugby.
- ✊ Remarkable family history: His grandfather, Barry Feinberg, was an anti-apartheid activist who spent decades in exile.
- 🏉 Springbok record-breaker: He scored 37 points against Argentina in 2025, setting a new South African record for points in a single Test.
