#3. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu MOVES TO 15
After a difficult opening Test, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu produced a much more assured performance in Cape Town.
His kicking game was particularly important, repeatedly pinning New Zealand deep and allowing South Africa to reset whenever the contest became loose.
It still wasn’t perfect.
One kick almost resulted in a charge-down try for Jordie Barrett, while several attacking combinations failed to come off.
However, perhaps the most interesting part of his performance came after half-time.
With Damian Willemse forced off, Feinberg-Mngomezulu moved to fullback as Manie Libbok took control at fly-half.
The youngster suddenly appeared to have more freedom to influence the contest without carrying the responsibility of directing every Springbok attack.
RUCK VERDICT: Keep Sacha in the starting XV, but unleash him from fullback.
#4. Damian Willemse OUT – Manie Libbok IN
This change completes the backline reshuffle.
Willemse positioned himself well defensively in Cape Town, particularly when dealing with New Zealand’s probing kicking game.
However, his own kicking from hand was inconsistent, with several efforts failing to find the distance or accuracy South Africa needed.
More importantly, Willemse was forced from the field through injury before the second half.
If there is any doubt surrounding his fitness, Erasmus shouldn’t need to gamble.
Moving Feinberg-Mngomezulu to fullback would open the door for Manie Libbok to return at fly-half after he helped direct proceedings following his introduction in Cape Town.
Libbok’s willingness to play flat and bring runners onto the ball could also give the All Blacks a completely different attacking picture to defend.
RUCK VERDICT: Libbok starts at 10, Sacha moves to 15 and Willemse gets the opportunity to recover fully.
RUCK’S FOUR CHANGES
OUT: Jesse Kriel
IN: André Esterhuizen
OUT: Jasper Wiese
IN: Cameron Hanekom
MOVE: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 10 to 15
IN: Manie Libbok – starts at 10
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- Three All Blacks who flopped against the Springboks in the second Test: https://tinyurl.com/dehfunfc
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Rugby Quiz: Can you name the past 25 Springboks captains?
How well do you know the Springboks? South Africa have had some legendary leaders over the years, with some of the game’s biggest names taking on the responsibility of captaining the current world champions.
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But how many of their last 25 captains can you remember? Test your rugby knowledge and see if you can name every player to have led the Springboks in their most recent appearances.
