Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu says the Springboks have fixed the “system errors” that allowed the Wallabies to find space out wide at Ellis Park.
The Boks’ defence was torn apart as Australia ran in five unanswered tries in a dominant second-half display to seal a 38-22 comeback win – their first at the venue since 1963.
“We’ve analysed why those passes over the top happened and we think we’ve got the solutions to stop it,” said Feinberg-Mngomezulu on Wednesday.
“We’ve got a defensive system that puts pressure on teams, and sometimes you have to concede a few metres on the edges. There were system errors that led to those bridge passes catching us out. Those are things we’ve fixed.
“Sometimes we’ll give the opposition the pass, then scramble like we always do and catch them on the next phase.”
Feinberg-Mngomezulu acknowledged that while the Bok coaches encourage players to express themselves, they also demand that the team sticks to its strengths.
“We saw what happens when you drift away from our system, our structures, and the fundamentals that make us successful.
“That’s been a focus point for the last few weeks. When you enforce the Bok fundamentals, that’s when the team thrives and you put the opposition in positions they don’t want to be in.”
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Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been recalled to the match 23 for Saturday’s clash in Cape Town, having missed out last week. Handré Pollard takes over the No 10 jersey from Manie Libbok, with the 23-year-old named among the replacements.
The Stormers playmaker said he had benefited from working alongside Pollard while continuing to develop his game at Test level.
“There’s a ladder you have to climb and learning from guys like Pollard while juggling 12 and 15 only grows my game. Putting on a Bok jersey is special every time, so whether it’s 23, 22, 12, 15, 10, or even six on my back, whatever helps the team is something I’ll take.”
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As a bench option, the youngster says his role depends heavily on the state of the match.
“I could be coming on to close out a game, to chase it, or even for an injury. Sitting next to the nine on the bench and staying in touch with [assistant coach] Felix Jones on the side sets you up best for whether you’re coming on in the first minute or the 79th.
“If I can do that along with the other guys in the Bomb Squad, I think we’ll be good to go.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
