Coach Rassie Erasmus says there is no first-choice flyhalf in the Springbok squad and selection at No 10 changes to challenge the opposition.
Rassie’s Bok flyhalf poker game
Erasmus has kept his cards close to his chest over who’s likely to get the nod in the Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Ellis Park on 16 August.
“Everything depends on who our opposition is on the day and what our plan is. I like to believe it gives us options,” said Erasmus. “By not having a first-choice flyhalf, it makes it more difficult for opposing teams to analyse us and makes us less predictable.”
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok each started Tests for the Boks during the incoming series against Italy and Georgia.
Pollard started in the 42-24 win over Italy in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld and contributed 12 points, while Libbok started in the second Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium a week later.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu wore No 10 in the match against the Barbarians in Cape Town and the 55-10 demolition of Georgia.
Erasmus described his pivots as above average and that each have made a compelling case to start.
“Who we choose depends on who we play and whether we go with a 5-3, 6-2 or 7-1 split on the bench. With a 6-2 bench, guys like Damian Willemse or Sacha could work nicely.”
The Springboks reconvene on Sunday for their second training week, with winger Cheslin Kolbe expected to participate after sitting out last week due to a knee injury.
