Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has commented on the outstanding performances of two Springboks against Australia
After starring off the bench in his first four games for the Springboks, Feinberg-Mngomezulu was entrusted with the starting number 10 jumper against Australia and performed superbly, guiding the side to a 33-7 victory over the Wallabies and their first win at Suncorp Stadium since 2013.
Meanwhile, Louw was brought into the starting XV after a bright cameo off the bench against Portugal and also enjoyed a fine outing against Australia.
Pleasing performances
Following the victory, Erasmus was asked whether he was pleased by the performances of the two players earning their first starts in the Green and Gold jersey.
“I think so, overall they played really well,” he said.
“Salmaan [Moerat] came on and also did well, it’s a pity that Marco [van Staden] got a yellow but I thought he and Kwagga Smith brought good energy.
“But we wanted the two guys earning their fifth caps and first starts, Elrigh and Sacha, to experience what it is like to play at a venue where we normally really struggle and against a team that we have a lot of history with and see how they go.”
The next generation of Springboks
The Bok head coach has issued 11 Test debuts this year while also giving youth an opportunity to shine, particularly in the case of handing Feinberg-Mngomezulu the starting number 10 role despite stiff competition from World Cup winners Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard.
Erasmus has repeatedly explained that the Springboks will need to usher in the next generation with many of the double World Cup winners now well into their 30s.
But what has really impressed the ex-flanker is the manner in which the older heads are assisting the development of the youngsters who will likely take their place in the squad.
“We are definitely looking at the future without looking too far ahead because the present then bites you but for me, the nicest thing for us as a management group and SA Rugby is the fact that the players understand that,” he explained.
“Some guys are happy to stand back a little bit and help grow the youngsters because eventually some of the youngsters are going to get a rude awakening as they become better players because the opposition gets tougher.
“Like next week, Marika Koroibete could be back for the Wallabies and if he slams one or two guys they must be able to handle it and then the big dogs must help them.
“But we certainly have an eye on the future but staying in the present, trying to do both.”
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‘You don’t suddenly solve the Springboks conundrum’ – Joe Schmidt after Wallabies’ loss
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt was left frustrated after his team suffered a humiliating 33-7 defeat to the Springboks in their Rugby Championship opener in Brisbane on Saturday.
The visitors showed why they are the world champions as they delivered a dominant overall performance and held the upper hand in most facets of play, which saw them outscoring their hosts by five tries to one.
The Boks‘ superior physicality paved the way to victory and they held a comfortable 21-0 lead at half-time and Schmidt admitted that his team still had some way to go to before reaching their opponents’ level.
Boks standards are very high
“That’s probably a benchmark for us. We’ve had three Tests prior to that but that’s really a starting point up against the really big boys,” he said post-match.
“They’re at a different stage of their evolution with so much experience and players who’ve played at the very top level for a long time and successfully.
“We have quite a youthful side and a side that is still coming together but we’ve got to come together better than we did today and accelerate some of the learning.
“There’s obvious learning from today but you don’t suddenly solve the South African conundrum.”
Wallabies skipper Allan Alaalatoa admitted that the defeat was a steep learning curve for several of his side’s players.
“It’s going to be a tough pill to swallow but a lot of our boys will learn from that,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot of our buys with a handful of caps learning what the Test arena is like and there’s no better way to learn than against South Africa.
“We’ve got to learn and then make sure that we’re better for Perth.”
Meanwhile, Filipo Daugunu, Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams sustained knocks but Schmidt hinted that he would keep changes to a minimum for the rematch at Optus Stadium in Perth next week.
Taniela Tupou set to return
However, they should be boosted by Taniela Tupou’s return after he missed the Brisbane clash following the death of his father earlier in the week.
“I think there’s guys who will improve what they’re delivering and maybe not in time for next Saturday but we do have to have a bit of a long-term plan,” Schmidt said.
“We’ve got a much younger sit and a lot less caps and therefore my belief is if we chop and change too much then it’s very hard to grow the cohesion.
“When you go out in a game like that, you’re very interdependent and you’re going to have to make sure that everyone know their role has been built ready to deliver.
“I thought Carlo Tizzano did really well today but would’ve been nice to have Fraser McReight as well and then you have Luke Reimer coming off the bench so there’s guys that will get better with opportunity.
“I’m a realist and I know that you don’t suddenly match up and front up but you’ve got to better yourself for next week.”
