Dan Carter backs Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to become Springbok No 10

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 24, has the talent to become a world-class Springbok flyhalf, according to All Blacks great Dan Carter. Carter, a two-time world champion and Test rugby’s leading points scorer with 1,598, believes the young playmaker must now produce that quality regularly.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu will begin Saturday’s Test against New Zealand in Cape Town on the bench, with veteran Handré Pollard selected at flyhalf. He started the previous week’s first Test in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, which South Africa lost.

Carter said South Africa had handled the player’s introduction to international rugby carefully. Pollard and Manie Libbok have offered experience and support as Feinberg-Mngomezulu has developed, rather than leaving him to carry the responsibility of the No 10 position immediately.

The former New Zealand flyhalf has been impressed by Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s confidence and has seen enough from his appearances in green and gold to identify a high ceiling. He highlighted the player’s display against the All Blacks in Wellington and his contributions during last year’s November tour.

Carter also said Feinberg-Mngomezulu has shown a willingness to improve. The Springbok has contacted him from time to time with questions, an indication that he recognises there is still more to learn and is open to guidance.

For Carter, the challenge is no longer simply showing flashes of ability. Establishing the durability and consistency needed to make the Springbok flyhalf jersey his own will require sustained excellence over many seasons, not just two or three strong campaigns.

He identified Tony Brown as another important influence in that process. The New Zealander, who works as a Springbok assistant coach, brings extensive All Blacks experience and can help Feinberg-Mngomezulu continue his progress at Test level.