Spoilt for choice: All three Bok flyhalves to feature against All Blacks – Rassie
Much will depend on what type of game and approach the world champions choose to take in the four matches.
The South African Springboks face a challenging decision ahead of their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series opener against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday. With three world-class flyhalves available, coach Rassie Erasmus must decide which two to include in the matchday 23 and ensure all three feature during the four-week series ending in Baltimore.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard are the talented options, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu emerging as the preferred pick of coach Erasmus. Libbok and Pollard, however, remain attractive choices due to their utility on the bench. Libbok's experience shines in the Boks' two biggest wins over the All Blacks, while Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s versatility allows him to cover several positions.
If the series becomes an arm wrestle, Pollard’s calmness and accuracy off the tee make him a reliable choice. Nevertheless, if the Boks opt for a more attack-minded approach, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Libbok are likely starters. Erasmus anticipates all three flyhalves will play by the end of the series, with Libbok and Feinberg-Mngomezulu expected to be the two in the lineup.
The remaining spot on the bench may go to Pollard, with Andre Esterhuizen potentially added as a hybrid replacement. Erasmus will unveil the matchday-23 on Thursday.
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