Erasmus backs Feinberg-Mngomezulu for Springboks’ key All Blacks clash

Rassie Erasmus has explained his decision to select Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half for the Springboks’ Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, despite expectations that Manie Libbok would start and Handre Pollard would be included among the replacements.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu began South Africa’s previous Test against Argentina, his first appearance since returning from injury. The 23-year-old acknowledged that he was still short of full sharpness after spending three months on the sidelines, making his selection at number 10 a notable call by Erasmus.

The Springboks coach, however, said Feinberg-Mngomezulu had done enough in training and had already shown that he could perform against New Zealand.

“Sacha has done wonderful things for us when he’s played,” Erasmus said.

“He was the flyhalf last year when we beat them in Wellington.”

Erasmus said selection decisions were based on how well players fitted the team’s plans, as well as the quality of their preparation during the week.

“We look at which players understand what we’re trying to do and which players have trained the best.”

The coach also highlighted the contribution of the wider squad, including players who were not selected to start against the All Blacks.

“The players on the other side also help the guys prepare as well as they can. It’s always a tough call.”

Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s inclusion had been the main talking point before the Springboks’ team announcement on Thursday. Although he had started against Argentina, his lack of recent match time left uncertainty over whether Erasmus would trust him to control the game against the All Blacks.

Many supporters and pundits had anticipated a starting role for Libbok, while there was also considerable expectation that veteran Pollard would be named on the bench.

Erasmus suggested that changes could follow in the next match if South Africa produce the result they want at Ellis Park.

“Hopefully, if things go our way on Saturday, we can make a few changes next week,” Erasmus added.

The decision will be judged when the two sides meet, with the match scheduled for Saturday. The article’s match build-up notes that it will be clear by about 19:00 whether Erasmus made the correct call, while kick-off is listed as 17:10.

Whatever the outcome, Feinberg-Mngomezulu offers the Springboks a player Erasmus believes can make a significant contribution. He has already been trusted in the same position against the All Blacks, having played fly-half when South Africa defeated New Zealand in Wellington last year.

The selection comes as attention also turns to the All Blacks’ haka, with their coach having made his wishes clear to Springboks supporters before the Test.

Related coverage has also focused on the opening stage of the contest, under the headline: “Eat or be eaten – and so it begins!”