Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus' flyhalf options overflow as he ponders Rugby Championship
Image: Backpagepix
COMMENT
There is no shortage of Springbok supporters considering the big question: Who will start at flyhalf for South Africa against the All Blacks in Auckland this September?
Few fans have a definitive answer, and it's doubtful whether Rassie Erasmus is entirely certain either.
The fact that Erasmus must weigh up the unique strengths of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok and Handré Pollard — and still not have a clear frontrunner — speaks to the Springboks' remarkable depth as they build towards the Rugby Championship.
Handre Pollard of the Springboks. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
That campaign kicks off with back-to-back clashes against the Wallabies on 16 August in Johannesburg and a week later in Cape Town. It is during those two Tests that Erasmus must settle on the half-back pairing that gives the Boks the best chance of claiming a historic win at Eden Park — where South Africa last triumphed in 1937.
Grant Williams, through excellent recent form, appears to have nailed down the scrumhalf jersey. But flyhalf remains far more contested after mixed performances in the recent matches: Feinberg-Mngomezulu looked out of sorts against Georgia, Libbok dazzled against Italy, and Pollard has calmly closed out matches with trademark assurance.
Pollard, the 2019 World Cup hero, remains the most reliable option, though he arguably lacks the attacking flair of the younger duo. With new attack coach Tony Brown looking to sharpen the Springboks' offence ahead of the 2027 World Cup, that difference in playing style matters.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of the Springboks. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Perhaps Erasmus can have it both ways — start with the explosive Libbok or talented Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and close the game with Pollard's dependable boot and experience.
On current form, Libbok should start and Pollard finish. Feinberg-Mngomezulu is undeniably gifted, but still raw. A touch of humility — not arrogance — may help his development.
At scrumhalf, Erasmus has opted for a blend of youth and experience. The 34-year-old Cobus Reinach will back himself against Williams and Morne van den Berg, but the latter two are clearly being groomed for 2027.
That said, veteran Faf de Klerk reminded everyone of his value with a typically fierce cameo against Georgia. His presence ensures no scrumhalf can afford to relax — especially with a tenacious competitor like Faf snapping at their heels.
Meanwhile, Jaden Hendrikse has found himself out in the cold after an underwhelming URC campaign with the Sharks. If he is to force his way back into the Springbok reckoning, he must make the most of the Currie Cup — a competition that remains a vital proving ground in South Africa, unlike in many rival rugby nations.
Other recent Boks including Vincent Tshituka, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos and Neethling Fouché have also been released to the Currie Cup.
While no one will write off a warrior like Mapimpi, his release and Edwill van der Merwe's retention signal Erasmus's gaze is fixed firmly on the future. Van der Merwe has scored five tries in three Tests and shown he belongs in the same conversation as Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Springbok Squad
Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Jean-Luc du Preez (Bordeaux Begles), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Bulls)
Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Reinach (Stormers), Edwill van der Merwe (Sharks), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Grant Williams (Sharks), Damian Willemse (Stormers).
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