Eddie Jones has questioned Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s decision-making as the playmaker gears up to lead the Springbok attack against the All Blacks on Saturday.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu will run out at 10 at Ellis Park, in the much-anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener, after making his first start in Argentina a fortnight ago following an ankle injury.
The 24-year-old set a Bok record of nine tries by a flyhalf last year, including a hat-trick and 37 points against Los Pumas, and his attacking flair is ideally suited to taking the game to New Zealand.
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Jones, however, suggests Feinberg-Mngomezulu hasn’t fully developed the situational awareness required to control a Test match when the heat is on.
“There’s little doubt he’s a truly world-class rugby player and an attacking genius,” the Japan head coach said in a wide-ranging interview with Planet Rugby. “But is he a world-class 10 right now?
“At the moment it’s a little bit all about him, and he wants to play the magic play; what he isn’t doing is playing the pressure play.”
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While explaining how South Africa’s contrasting style could shape Saturday’s clash on the Highveld, Jones highlighted the world champions’ ability to take opponents through the middle is a defining feature of their game.
“South Africa come through the front door. New Zealand traditionally stop you at the front door, and then they go through the side door, through their speed and their athleticism,” the former England and Wallabies boss added.
“To me, that’s the contrast in the cultures. It’s this clash of rugby ethos, clash of different sorts of athleticism.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Eddie: Sacha a bit all about him appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Eddie Jones has questioned Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s decision-making as the playmaker gears up to lead the Springbok attack against the All Blacks on Saturday.
The post Eddie: Sacha a bit all about him appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
