Springbok supporters have turned on fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu following South Africa’s shock 33-16 defeat against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
Rassie Erasmus’ side went into the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry as favourites, but New Zealand produced a ruthless second-half display to draw first blood in the four-match series.
South Africa actually led 13-12 at half-time and enjoyed significant periods of dominance, particularly at scrum time, but failed to make their opportunities count.
The All Blacks eventually ran in five tries to South Africa’s one, with Will Jordan crossing twice as the visitors pulled away after the break.
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Sacha comes under fire
Much of the post-match criticism from Springbok supporters was directed at Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who was handed the number 10 shirt ahead of Manie Libbok.
Erasmus’ selection had already generated debate before kick-off, and a number of fans felt the young playmaker failed to take control of the contest when South Africa were on top.
One supporter wrote: “Where was Sacha today? Absolutely nowhere. You are a pro bro, time to learn how to handle Pollard-tight games.”
Another questioned Erasmus’ decision to start him, writing: “Big mistake by Rassie today to start Sacha. He is undercooked and the truth is Sacha hasn’t been playing well for the last year or so. His error rate has gone through the roof in recent times.”
They added: “Pollard or Manie needs to start the 2nd Test.”
‘We need to be honest about Sacha’
The criticism continued across social media following the final whistle.
One fan simply posted: “Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been poor today.”
Another wrote: “One day we will have to be honest about Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.”
There were also questions over the Springboks’ decision-making around the kicking tee, with another supporter posting: “I thought Sacha was the next DC and yet he doesn’t even kick their shots at goal?”
One frustrated fan put the blame firmly on the selection call, writing: “Sacha has been very terrible. I blame you, Rassie. Libbok should have steered us at 10 right from minute one.”
Pollard calls grow
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Handre Pollard’s name quickly entered the conversation.
One supporter claimed South Africa needed the double Rugby World Cup winner’s composure in tight matches, while another argued either Pollard or Libbok should be promoted into the starting XV for the second Test.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu was selected at fly-half after Libbok started South Africa’s previous Test, while Pollard was not included in the matchday squad for the Ellis Park encounter.
The defeat ended South Africa’s 12-match winning run and leaves Erasmus with some major selection decisions before the series moves to Cape Town for the second Test.
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5. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
There were flashes from Feinberg-Mngomezulu, particularly as the first half progressed and the Springbok pack began to take control.
He challenged the All Blacks defence with some dangerous carries and offloads, but there was simply too much looseness in his game.
On an occasion that demanded South Africa's chief playmaker take control, Feinberg-Mngomezulu never truly managed it.
His move to full-back during the second half didn't help matters either. His defence was exposed when Damian McKenzie powered through him during a dangerous New Zealand break shortly before the hour mark.
Try as he might, Feinberg-Mngomezulu simply couldn't get going.
Replacement: Handre Pollard
This feels like the obvious change.
Pollard was left out of the matchday 23 for the opening Test despite being included in South Africa's wider squad.
The double Rugby World Cup winner offers exactly what South Africa lacked at Ellis Park: control, experience and an ability to manage the biggest occasions.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains an enormous talent, but Erasmus could turn back to his proven number 10 for Test two.
4. Grant Williams
Williams had some good moments, but unfortunately his mistakes proved costly.
He was left trying to cover too much space alongside Paul de Villiers for New Zealand's opening try, eventually giving one of the most lethal finishers in Test rugby, Will Jordan, slightly too much room.
The bigger mistake arrived shortly after half-time.
Williams was charged down by Fabian Holland, who gathered the loose ball and scored to put New Zealand back in front.
From there, the pressure increased before Williams was eventually shifted to the wing around the hour mark.
Williams remains arguably South Africa's first-choice scrum-half right now, but this was a performance containing more bad moments than good.
Replacement: Bring back Faf de Klerk
Could Erasmus make a huge call and bring Faf de Klerk back into the picture?
South Africa have moved towards Williams and their next generation of scrum-halves, but a four-Test series against the All Blacks is exactly the sort of environment in which De Klerk has traditionally thrived.
His experience, kicking game and relentless pressure around the breakdown could give the Springboks something different.
After what happened at Ellis Park, the debate over a potential recall isn't going away.
3. Eben Etzebeth
Etzebeth looked to have made the dream start inside the opening minute when he charged down Cam Roigard, only for referee Matthew Carley to penalise him for offside.
Another penalty followed soon afterwards for a high tackle, perhaps showing a little rust after his recent lack of rugby.
There were better moments.
His lineout steal late in the first half came as the Springboks were beginning to dominate physically, while he continued to attack the breakdown with his trademark aggression.
However, the numbers weren't what we've become accustomed to seeing from the giant lock.
Etzebeth carried only three times and wasn't nearly as influential defensively as South Africa would have wanted from one of their biggest names.
Verdict: Keep him in the team
Dropping Etzebeth after one below-par performance would be a massive overreaction.
He has earned more than enough credit to start again in the second Test and remains one of the most intimidating forwards in world rugby.
But competition in the Springbok pack is enormous.
Another quiet performance and suddenly his position might not look quite so untouchable.
2. Marco van Staden
Van Staden was introduced to give South Africa fresh energy around the breakdown as they attempted to regain control during the final quarter.
Instead, his biggest contribution was one Erasmus will want to forget.
The replacement flanker was shown a yellow card following a breakdown infringement just metres from his own line, leaving the Springboks short-handed at exactly the point they needed to produce a comeback.
South Africa eventually finished the contest with only 13 players after another yellow card followed.
Verdict: Keep him on the bench
There is no need for Erasmus to completely abandon Van Staden.
His breakdown ability remains valuable, particularly against an All Blacks side that wants quick ball.
However, he certainly hasn't done enough to force his way into the starting XV for the second Test.
1. Cobus Reinach
This was a nightmare cameo from one of South Africa's most experienced backs.
Reinach was introduced with the expectation that he would bring calmness and control to the closing stages.
Instead, he helped reduce South Africa to 13 men.
The scrum-half was shown a yellow card for an intentional knock-on following an All Blacks scrum, compounding an already difficult final quarter for the hosts.
For a player brought onto the field specifically because of his experience, it was an unforgivable mistake.
Replacement: Another reason to bring back Faf de Klerk
If Erasmus does consider recalling De Klerk, Reinach's performance has strengthened the argument.
The Springboks need composure at scrum-half and their replacement nine provided the exact opposite at Ellis Park.
Williams will undoubtedly remain heavily involved, but the door could now be open for Erasmus to reconsider his options behind the scrum
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.
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