Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s elevation to Test players confirms the quality of playmaker available to Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane discusses the unexpected but deserved inclusion of the uncapped Hendrikse in the Springbok starting XV against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
A standout since his school days at Glenwood High, Hendrikse has excelled at various youth levels and for the Lions. Despite his youth and injury setbacks, Keohane argues that the 22-year-old’s defensive skills and physical presence have earned him a Test debut.
He and his brother Jaden will reunite at the Sharks next season, potentially forming a Test halfback pair. Hendrikse’s versatility is showcased by his ability to play multiple positions, with an impressive 93% tackle efficiency in the Vodacom URC.
Keohane expects Hendrikse to play 40 to 60 minutes on Saturday, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu providing impact off the bench.
KEO: Glorious time for SA rugby
He highlights the rise of young talents like Feinberg-Mngomezulu and other debutants, Edwill van der Merwe and Ben-Jason Dixon, who have shown consistent performance.
“For many his [Hendrikse’s] inclusion has been a surprise, but for those who have followed his career since school, the only surprise is that the national call-up did not come a year earlier,” Keohane writes.
“Feinberg-Mngomezulu, a Bishops old boy, was as successful at youth level as Hendrikse, representing SA Schools, SA U18s and captaining SA U20. He played in the inaugural URC final, won by the DHL Stormers, before his 21st birthday and last season led Western Province’s U21s to the provincial title.
“The duo’s elevation to Test players confirms the quality of flyhalf available to Erasmus as he builds towards the World Cup in Australia in 2027.
“World Cup-winning flyhalves Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok will be the go-to options for the two-Test series against Ireland in July, but the flyhalf cupboard, seemingly bare a few seasons ago, is stacked with Hendrikse, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Siya Masuku the next cabs off the rank.”
Photo: Athena Pictures/Getty Images
The post Bok flyhalf cupboard far from bare appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s elevation to Test players confirms the quality of playmaker available to Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The post Bok flyhalf cupboard far from bare appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
