Springboks' flyhalf depth the envy of world rugby, say pundits

Until the Springboks' squad for the final Test of rugby's greatest rivalry was announced, doubt lingered over who coach Rassie Erasmus would pick as his starting flyhalf.

There had been debate over whether Manie Libbok should perhaps replace Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at 10 – especially given how Libbok changed the game in the Springboks' favour after coming on for the injured Cheslin Kolbe and shifting into the pivot.

But it is Feinberg-Mngomezulu who will start against the All Blacks in Baltimore this Saturday, with Libbok named among the replacements.

Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, former Springboks coach Nick Mallett said that while Libbok undeniably brought another dimension to the side, he had overplayed his hand in the closing stages of last Saturday's Test.

Mallett said that had it not been for some adventurous passing from Libbok late in the match, the gap that led to Samisoni Taukei'aho's try at the death could have been avoided. That score narrowed the margin to 29–24, flattering the All Blacks' final tally.

Rugby writer Gavin Rich, however, argued that Libbok remains the Springboks' most effective flyhalf option against New Zealand specifically.

“He has a very good record against the All Blacks. I would like to see what his record actually is. Yesterday was interesting, because he came on as a fly half,” Rich said in a post-match assessment of the third Test.

Presented by Brendan Nel, the panel agreed that the Springboks' current depth at flyhalf is the stuff coaches dream of. Where the position was once considered something of a weak spot for the team, Erasmus and his coaching staff now find themselves spoiled for choice.

Rich pointed to the passage of play after Feinberg-Mngomezulu returned from the sin bin – having been carded for a professional foul – and switched to fullback, blurring the lines between the two positions.

“There were times when you didn't know who was playing fly half and who was playing fullback,” he said. “And that is actually a great thing to have.”

He added that the return of Damian Willemse next week gives Erasmus further options. “Damian Willemse is available again next week as well. So it's not like we have to pick Sacha as fullback.”

Erasmus has made two changes from the side that won the third Test, with Damian Willemse returning at fullback (for the injured Cheslin Kolbe) and Morne van den Berg promoted to scrumhalf (with Cobus Reinach dropping to the bench).

South Africa:

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok All Blacks

Dave Rennie has confirmed a travelling squad of 36, but hasn't yet named a starting XV for Baltimore (that typically follows a few days out). Ardie Savea (dislocated shoulder), Quinn Tupaea (knee) and Luke Jacobson (elbow) were ruled out through injury after the third Test, and six further players — Josh Jacomb, Siale Lauaki, Saula Ma'u, Cortez Ratima (knee), Bradley Slater and Ofa Tu'ungafasi — have been released back to New Zealand.

Forwards (squad): Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Jamie Hannah, Sam Darry, Josh Lord, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Ethan Blackadder, Semisi Ta'eiloa

Backs (squad): Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham, Beauden Barrett, Ruben Love, Richie Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa, Rieko Ioane, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie.

Kick-off

Saturday, 12 September, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore — 23:10 CAT (17:10 local Baltimore time). Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU).