Jurie Matthee is not losing sleep over comparisons with his teammate and Springbok star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
The Stormers flyhalf is currently the URC’s top point-scorer with 52 and has shown massive growth in the first five matches of the new campaign after a few years in the shadows.
He insists he’s focused purely on sharpening his own game and trusting the process that brought him this far.
“I have my own strengths,” Matthee told Rapport. “A playmaker needs to have many skills to bring out the best in the talent within your team. So there’s no time to compare ourselves with one another – it’s about improving your own individual abilities instead.”
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While Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s rise has been rapid and headline-grabbing, Matthee’s own ascent has been quieter but no less determined. The former Maties captain has impressed with his maturity, game control and willingness to take on responsibility in high-pressure moments – qualities he says he embraces rather than avoids.
“Pressure is something that’s always pushed me to the next level,” he said. “I’m someone who’s always enjoyed feeling that emotion, the tension, the stress. It sharpens my focus. It’s not something to be arrogant about, but it’s something I enjoy. There will be times you end up on the wrong side of pressure, and other times on the right side.”
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That mindset, along with his ability to stay composed and creative, has made Matthee an increasingly important figure in the Stormers’ evolving backline. Whether it’s attacking with daring cross-kicks or launching counters from deep, he believes bravery is part of a flyhalf’s DNA.
“You have to challenge yourself to be brave in the decisions you make,” he explained. “We all bring different strengths to the team.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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