Former Springbok centre and ex-Stormers coach Robbie Fleck has raised concerns over Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s selection at flyhalf for South Africa’s Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand in Wellington
Fleck: Sacha’s a bit like Marcus Smith
Fleck singled out Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s lack of game management experience, drawing a comparison with England playmaker Marcus Smith.
“From a game management perspective, they are going to look to Sacha for control. He hasn’t really been the guy doing that, he’s a brilliant individual rugby player, but he’s a bit like Marcus Smith at this stage. He can break the game open but he doesn’t drive the team forward yet.”
Pollard had returned earlier in the campaign to steady the Springboks after Manie Libbok started the tournament opener. Fleck suggested the veteran flyhalf was recalled for his ability to organise the pack and kick tactically, qualities Feinberg-Mngomezulu is still developing.
However, Fleck acknowledged that the Stormers playmaker impressed off the bench in Auckland, offering direction when Pollard became lateral under breakdown pressure.
“You saw Sacha starting to do one or two incisive runs, granted it was at 12, and that’s what they’re looking for,” he said.
