Stuart Barnes has backed Rassie Erasmus to make the “smart” selection and start Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu over Handre Pollard against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Springboks will resume their Rugby Championship campaign with a clash against the All Blacks in Johannesburg, where the world champions will look to take a significant step towards the southern hemisphere title.
There has been plenty of debate over who should don the Bok No 10 jersey, as Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Pollard and Manie Libbok are all in the running to start on Saturday.
YOUR SAY: Pollard to start over Sacha
Pollard was the starting flyhalf when the Boks beat New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, slotting four first-half penalties to help South Africa win 12-11.
However, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has started in the opening Rugby Championship bonus-point wins against the Wallabies in Brisbane and Perth. According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Feinberg-Mngomezulu stands a good chance of starting his first Test against the All Blacks.
Writing in his colum for The Times, Barnes agreed with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson that backing Feinberg-Mngomezulu would be the sensible call.
“This weekend, some will see the possible inclusion of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, with just six caps, as the ‘brave’ selection, given the presence of Pollard on the bench,” Barnes wrote.
“An argument can be made for selecting Pollard if beating New Zealand in 2024 is the beginning and end of a management’s planning. That requires Erasmus to steer his ship off course while the sailing is plain.
“This weekend it would be a surprise for Pollard to be picked over the face of the future. The home team can expand and test their attacking limits against their great rivals. Victory in style would be a huge step for South Africa, defeat a small setback. Feinberg-Mngomezulu isn’t a brave selection. It is the smart one.”
Photo: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
