The Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu prognosis is getting worse

Springbok fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could be sidelined for the remainder of the year due to a knee injury that he initially concealed from Springboks' management.

The rising star who has impressed in his debut season for the world champions underwent surgery after aggravating the injury he sustained before South Africa's Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand. Despite the injury Feinberg-Mngomezulu chose to play in that match hiding the problem from the coaching staff.

Speaking in Mbombela after South Africa's 48-7 victory over Argentina a Springboks official revealed that Feinberg-Mngomezulu's return may take longer than initially anticipated. Speaking to AFP, the anonymous official said that the young fly-half's surgery was expected to keep him out for around five weeks but new reports from his club the Stormers suggest that he could be out for up to 12 weeks.

"Now we are hearing from his club (the Stormers) that he may be sidelined for up to 12 weeks, which would sideline him for the rest of this year," said the official. "A major concern is that he has injured the same knee twice within a year and, if rushed back, could develop arthritis. The Stormers are wisely adopting a conservative approach."

This would rule him out of South Africa's November tour of Europe and possibly even end his season.

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson expressed concern over the injury during a media briefing last week.

"There was some damage to the same knee he injured last year,” Dobson told a media briefing – ahead of the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship Round Two match against Ospreys at the Brewery Field in Bridgend on Saturday.

“That is a concern, having injured the same knee twice in a year” the Stormers boss added. “The official prognosis is an eight-week lay-off.

“However, given the history and given that you can get an early onset of arthritis with a repeat injury, it will be a tragedy for a player that has a massive contribution to make to the game in South Africa and the Stormers."

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has also voiced his displeasure at Feinberg-Mngomezulu's decision to hide the injury. He stated that no player who is only 80 percent fit should be chosen over a fully fit teammate.

Despite his injury Feinberg-Mngomezulu has made a significant impact this season scoring 52 points and relegating long-time fly-half Handre Pollard to the bench for South Africa's Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand in July.

Meanwhile, two other key Springbok players Damian Willemse and Faf de Klerk are expected to return from injury in time for the end-of-year tour providing a boost to Erasmus and the world champions as they prepare for the European fixtures.