Fans can expect more sensational Springboks like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to emerge under Rassie Erasmus, writes MARK KEOHANE.

The world champions capped off a three-Test July schedule with a 10-try mauling of minnows Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday, before turning their attention to the Rugby Championship.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane highlights Feinberg-Mngomezulu as the standout Bok performer in a series draw with Ireland.

He emphasises that while Erasmus aims for greater consistency over the coming months, the two-time World Cup-winning coach views 2024 as a transitional year and will offering opportunities for new and fringe players while evolving the Bok gameplan.

Keohane believes the South Africans displayed glimpses of this new approach against Wales and Ireland, balancing innovation with their traditional physicality, and upcoming matches against Australia and New Zealand will further shape the Boks’ identity.

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According to Keohane, the rise of players like BJ Dixon, Salmaan Moerat and the versatile Feinberg-Mngomezulu underscores Erasmus’ commitment to building a dynamic and inclusive squad.

“DHL Stormers sensation Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was the biggest winner in the Springboks Test series against Ireland,” he writes.

“The drawn home series was not lost, which was some solace for the Springboks, and when the dimming light of a two-nil Springboks series win was snuffed out with a remarkable Ireland drop goal with the last kick of the game, there was a moon-like glow around Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

“Erasmus, as he has consistently shown in his coaching career, has never been influenced by age, whether 19 or 38. If he has felt a player adds value to the Springboks, he has picked the player.

“Rassie also did not hesitate to give Siya Kolisi the Springboks captaincy in 2018, another historic moment for South Africa, and in the next few months there will be more individual positives than stumbles, the most notable of these being the magical carpet ride of utility back Feinberg-Mngomezulu.”

Photo: @Springboks/Twitter

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Src: sarugbymag.co.za