Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is among five fit-again players named in the 26-man Springbok squad for next Saturday’s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
The gifted playmaker has overcome the ankle injury that sidelined him for the past two months and will make his return alongside captain Siya Kolisi, locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg.
The squad will depart for Argentina in two groups this Saturday, while up to 18 players who featured prominently in the Springboks’ opening four matches of the season will remain in Johannesburg to prepare for the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.
Among those staying behind are Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel and Ruan Nortjé, who will reassemble at the national team’s training base on Sunday.
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“We tried to get the balance right between giving some guys who are returning from injury and who have not had too much game time in our last four matches a valuable run against Argentina, while at the same time managing the players who have played a lot of rugby this year,” said Erasmus.
“The guys who have recovered from their injuries have been training hard this week and are ready to go, so it will be great for them to get a tough Test match under the belt before we face New Zealand.
“Several players, meanwhile, have been performing for us week in and week out, so it was important that we manage their workload, while players such as Ox Nché and Franco Mostert are still on the road to recovery, so next week’s training camp will be useful for them to continue to put in the hard yards and for the injured players to continue their rehabilitation.”
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Erasmus expects a stern examination from Los Pumas.
“Argentina are a quality outfit and we know we will be in for a massive challenge in Buenos Aires, so we are preparing for a physical and gruelling battle over there.
“They are a well-coached team, who have tested us in the past few years, while they have also been competitive in the Nations Championship, so it will be a good test for us as a team.”
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Reflecting on the week’s training camp, Erasmus said the squad had laid a solid foundation ahead of the trip.
“We had a series of productive sessions throughout the week, and all the players know what we expect of them, so everyone understands the importance of building on our season.”
Springbok squad
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi (c), Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Zachary Porthen, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese.
Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Herschel Jantjies, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Sacha returns for Los Pumas mission appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is among five fit-again players named in the 26-man Springbok squad for next Saturday’s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
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