Feinberg-Mngomezulu benched as South Africa face All Blacks in Cape Town

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has benched fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and recalled veteran Handre Pollard to the starting lineup for the Springboks' upcoming Test match against the All Blacks in Cape Town. The selection change follows New Zealand's 33-16 victory over South Africa in the series opener in Johannesburg, where Feinberg-Mngomezulu was turned over five times in possession before being shifted to fullback in the second half.

Pollard, a 32-year-old two-time Rugby World Cup winner, steps back into the number 10 jersey as the Springboks aim to equalize the four-match series. Erasmus has also adjusted his backline following injuries to Cheslin Kolbe and Grant Williams, bringing Ethan Hooker in at wing and Cobus Reinach at scrum-half. Captain Siya Kolisi could return to the back row after recovering from a hamstring injury, with Paul de Villiers named as cover at blindside flanker if Kolisi cannot play.

Reflecting on the opening match defeat, Erasmus highlighted the team's missed opportunities despite creating several attacking chances. He stated that mistakes at crucial times cost the Springboks, but expressed confidence that focused preparation this week will ensure the team is sharp for the Cape Town fixture. Veteran forward Deon Fourie has also been named among the replacements, positioning him for his first cap since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final win over New Zealand.

Meanwhile, New Zealand is preparing for the remainder of the series with the potential inclusion of star fly-half Richie Mo'unga. The 32-year-old playmaker, who was the first-choice stand-off during the All Blacks' 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, became eligible for national selection after signing with domestic teams Canterbury and the Crusaders following a stint playing in Japan for Toshiba Brave Lupus.

Mo'unga will make his return to action by starting at fly-half in Tuesday's match against the Johannesburg-based Lions. His comeback comes under revitalized All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie as New Zealand chases a 2-0 series lead. Mo'unga expressed confidence in his preparation for a Test return, noting his desire to compete at the highest level while assisting teammate Ruben Love in the fly-half role.

#Rugby #Springboks #AllBlacks #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #RassieErasmus #HandrePollard #RichieMounga