Nick Mallett says Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu answered his critics by producing a performance more reminiscent of Handré Pollard in the Springboks’ victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu was initially dropped to the bench for the second Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, with Pollard named at flyhalf, but a calf injury suffered in training ruled the veteran pivot out.
The youngster was consequently restored to the starting XV after coming under scrutiny for his performance in the first Test at Ellis Park.
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Mallett was impressed by the way Feinberg-Mngomezulu responded as the Boks secured a 33-26 victory to level the series.
“[Rassie Erasmus] picked a team with Pollard in it that looked as though it was the correct one, and then Pollard had to withdraw, Sacha came back in,” Mallett said on SuperSport’s Final Whistle Presents Side Entry.
“What was very positive was that Sacha played like Pollard. His defence was very good, but he didn’t try to do anything himself.”
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That was the biggest difference for Mallett, who had been critical of Feinberg-Mngomezulu and scrumhalf Grant Williams after the 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park.
With Williams injured, Cobus Reinach took over at No 9 and, according to Mallett, the halfback pairing provided the control the Boks needed.
“He [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] absolutely just stuck to the game plan, as did Reinach, who I thought also played nicely, played up his forwards and played the backs at the right time,” he said.
“It was just a very focused performance.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Mallett: ‘Focused’ Sacha stuck to the plan appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Nick Mallett says Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu answered his critics by producing a performance more reminiscent of Handré Pollard in the Springboks’ victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town.
The post Mallett: ‘Focused’ Sacha stuck to the plan appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
