Ben Smith has defended flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, arguing an ill-suited Springbok game plan explains his below-par performances since recent surgery.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu will play off the bench against the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday, deputising for Handré Pollard, after starting last week’s losing first Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The 24-year-old, who set a Bok record of nine tries by a flyhalf last year, made his first Bok outing for 2026 in Argentina on 8 August following an ankle injury.
Writing for RugbyPass, New Zealand journalist Smith argued Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s underwhelming displays since returning from a syndesmosis injury reflect rushed rehabilitation and poor team management, rather than a decline in his ability.
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He noted the Stormers star underwent surgery in June and was playing again within 10 weeks, well ahead of schedule, and cited his reluctance to attempt kicks at goal as evidence he lacks full fitness in his repaired ankle.
Smith also criticised the Boks’ tactics last week, saying high-ball, heavy midfield play and repetitive forward carries in the red zone wasted Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s creativity, even when scrum dominance created chances.
While Smith understands Pollard running out in the No 10 jersey in Cape Town given the game plan and expected wet conditions, he maintained Feinberg-Mngomezulu deserves more credit as one of the world’s top playmakers.
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“Since returning as the Boks’ flyhalf against Argentina, he’s had two performances below his game-breaking standard from 2025, while implementing a stale high-ball game plan,” he writes.
“Is anyone surprised by this given he busted his ankle less than three months ago and had surgery two months ago?
“If anyone is to blame, it’s Springbok management for pushing him to return while recovering. Feinberg-Mngomezulu deserves more respect in this situation; he’s not been set up to succeed.
“If he’s not right, it’s not smart to risk the best No 10 in the world with a half-baked game plan.”
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post Kiwi journo: Sacha not been set up to succeed appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ben Smith has defended flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, arguing an ill-suited Springbok game plan explains his below-par performances since recent surgery.
The post Kiwi journo: Sacha not been set up to succeed appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
