Springboks keep faith with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as Manie Libbok waits in Baltimore

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has retained Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half for Saturday’s fourth Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore, leaving Manie Libbok on the bench despite an impressive performance in Soweto.

The match is the latest instalment of the Greatest Rivalry Series, and South Africa have opted for a settled starting line-up as they prepare for the meeting in the United States.

Libbok was introduced in the ninth minute of the previous Test after Cheslin Kolbe was forced to leave the field with a broken jaw. Feinberg-Mngomezulu moved to fullback as a result, allowing Libbok to take over at fly-half.

The 28-year-old made a strong impact after coming on. He repeatedly tested the All Blacks defence by moving the ball quickly and his kicking from hand was accurate throughout the match.

That display led to questions over whether Erasmus might reverse the roles for the historic fixture in Baltimore, with Libbok starting at number 10 and Feinberg-Mngomezulu moving elsewhere in the backline.

Instead, the coach has kept faith with Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who will wear the fly-half jersey while Libbok provides cover from the replacements.

Former Springbok great Victor Matfield discussed the decision while appearing on theRugby Rivals podcast with John Kirwan. He said Feinberg-Mngomezulu remained a player capable of producing moments that can change a game, although the young back was facing greater demands in his second season.

“Sacha has the X factor [but] he’s going through that second-year syndrome when the first year everything just worked, whereas now he has to work for it,” Matfield said.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu was required to play at fullback during the previous Test, but Matfield praised the way he adapted to the switch and contributed in key areas.

“He really stepped up, even though he was at 15. Those kicks he had to make, and his physicality on defence is unbelievable.”

Matfield also outlined the qualities Libbok offers when South Africa want to play with greater attacking ambition and width.

“In Manie we’ve got a 10 that if you want to open it up, I think he’s probably the best,” he said.

“He loves to call for the ball, he loves to get width on attack, and we scored both of our tries with him giving those long passes to the outside.”

The selection could indicate that Erasmus wants South Africa to apply pressure to the All Blacks before introducing Libbok later in the contest, when his distribution and attacking instincts could help the Springboks close out the match.

Whatever the thinking behind the decision, Erasmus and his coaching staff have considerable strength at fly-half. Alongside Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Libbok, South Africa can also call on Handre Pollard, giving them a range of options at pivot.

Saturday’s match in Baltimore kicks off at 23:00 South African time.