How ‘unbelievably skilled’ Springboks prodigy has ‘impressed’ Handre Pollard
Split with Springboks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Handre Pollard.
Springboks fly-half Handre Pollard revealed that rising star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has “impressed” him in training and believes he adds huge value to the squad.
Feinberg-Mgomezulu has long been touted as a big star for the future and the former Junior Springboks skipper is starting to make strides towards fulfilling that potential.
The talented youngster made his Test debut last time out when he came off the bench for the Springboks against Wales at Twickenham. His cameo was extremely impressive with his composure and time on the ball catching the eye, as did his 50+ metre penalty that had everyone talking after the game.
As a player who can play three different backline positions, Feinberg-Mngomezulu essentially steps into the role of the injured Damian Willemse, which crucially allows the 6-2 split on the bench to be viable.
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Will only improve
Pollard highlighted that it’s not just the youngster’s skill-set but also work ethic and how he sees the game that has impressed the two-time Rugby World Cup winner.
“I’ve been very, very impressed. I’ve watched him for a couple years now playing for the Stormers, but his understanding of the game, work ethic, and he’s an unbelievably skilled player,” Pollard told reporters.
“I’m really excited to see how he goes with the longer he stays in the system, the more he plays and the more time he gets in the group.
“His inclusion is a really good thing, and it’s just creating more depth in every position as he can play 10, 12, 15, so he is a great guy to have in the squad.”
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One in, one out
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s inclusion comes at the expense of fly-half Manie Libbok, whose erratic goal-kicking and subsequently lack of confidence certainly played a role in the selection, although head coach Rassie Erasmus insists it is down to versatility.
Libbok was part of the last game between the sides where South Africa lost 13-8 to Ireland in the World Cup pool stage, with missed points off the kicking tee making the difference on that day.
