Rassie Erasmus has explained why Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains the Springboks’ first-choice flyhalf, despite Manie Libbok making a strong impact off the bench against the All Blacks.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will wear the No 10 jersey for a fourth consecutive Test when the Springboks face New Zealand in Baltimore on Saturday.
With Handre Pollard still unavailable through injury, the young flyhalf has continued to receive the backing of head coach Rassie Erasmus, even though his performances this season have produced some inconsistent moments.
That decision has inevitably raised questions among supporters, particularly after Manie Libbok impressed when introduced during South Africa’s latest clash with the All Blacks at FNB Stadium.
Why Sacha remains the starter
Libbok has offered plenty in attack, particularly with his distribution and ability to create opportunities, while his defensive work has also developed significantly.
However, Erasmus believes the Springboks need to find the right balance between their two flyhalves.
The coach pointed towards the final stages of Test matches, when fatigue can dramatically change the way teams defend and attack.
“The game is different in the last 30 minutes when everybody is a bit more tired … forwards are a bit more heavy-footed and struggle to fill the gaps,” Erasmus explained.
That is one of the reasons Sacha continues to get the nod.
According to Erasmus, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s skill set is complemented by his defensive ability, which could be particularly important against an All Blacks side renowned for its attacking threat.
“Apart from the skill that Sacha has, he’s a really good defender,” Erasmus said.
For the Springbok coaching staff, it is therefore not simply a question of which flyhalf offers the most attacking flair.
The overall balance of the team — especially defensively — remains a major consideration.
Libbok still has a crucial role
While Libbok has not been selected to start, Erasmus made it clear that the flyhalf remains an important part of the match-day strategy.
His performance against New Zealand last weekend demonstrated exactly why the Springboks value having him available from the bench.
“Manie definitely did really well for us,” Erasmus said.
The coach also stressed that Libbok can be trusted to step onto the field early if Sacha is forced off through injury.
But there could be an even more important role for him later in the contest.
Erasmus believes the game can open up considerably in the closing stages as players tire, potentially creating opportunities for Libbok’s attacking strengths and distribution to make an impact.
That approach was evident in the previous Test, when his introduction helped South Africa maintain their momentum.
Pollard’s return could change the picture
Another factor hanging over the flyhalf debate is the eventual return of Handre Pollard.
Erasmus indicated that the experienced No 10 is progressing towards being available for selection again.
Once Pollard returns, the Springboks will have even greater competition for the position, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Libbok both pushing for opportunities.
For now, however, Erasmus has made his decision clear.
Sacha gets another start, while Libbok provides an attacking option from the bench.
Springboks unchanged apart from two key alterations
South Africa will enter Saturday’s series decider with two changes to the starting XV.
Damian Willemse returns at fullback in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe, while Morné van den Berg gets his opportunity to start at scrumhalf, with Cobus Reinach moving to the bench.
The Springboks lead the series 2-1 and know victory in Baltimore would secure the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy.
Springboks starting XV: Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morné van den Berg, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c), Ruan Nortjé, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché.
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, André Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok.
The fourth Test kicks off at 23:00 South African time on Saturday, with the Springboks needing a victory to seal the series.
Sacha or Manie?
Erasmus’ selection ensures the debate will continue.
Sacha has the coach’s trust as a starter, while Libbok offers a different attacking dimension that could become decisive later in the match.
With the All Blacks fighting to level the series, Erasmus will be hoping his selection strikes the right balance for the full 80 minutes.
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