Rassie Erasmus has explained his decision to persist with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok as the Springboks’ flyhalf options for Saturday’s Rugby Championship decider against Argentina at Twickenham.
Handré Pollard, who has been used sparingly so far this season, once again finds himself outside the match 23. But Erasmus says the call is all about balance and building depth.
“Sacha and Manie can learn things from this game that we know Handré can already do,” said Erasmus. “It may be a risk, but the benefit for the team going forward could be massive.
“They’ve also got the benefit of experienced guys like Jesse [Kriel] coming off the bench who can help if needed.”
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The Bok coach added that the short turnaround between Tests and a heavy travel schedule also influenced his selections.
“I think the time we have to prepare is really short. We only flew out on Sunday and arrived in London on Monday, with just two training sessions. That’s one of the reasons. But we’re also trying to build the young guys up and take them from one step to another.”
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Erasmus was quick to stress that Pollard remains central to the bigger picture.
“Handré is definitely sacrificing this weekend, but we know that going forward we’ll have three flyhalves who can really do the job for us under pressure.”
🤏 “I’ve looked at the minutes of Manie, Handre and Sacha. Ball in play is probably six minutes difference between the three of them.”
Rassie Erasmus on balancing his flyhalves and backing Sacha and Manie after their performances this weekend.#SSRugby | #TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/rdj50Uukv5
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 30, 2025
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
