Mallett says Sacha can do everything ahead of All Blacks Test

Nick Mallett has backed 24-year-old Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to start at flyhalf for South Africa’s first Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park. The Stormers playmaker returned after two months out when he faced Argentina in Buenos Aires a fortnight ago following an ankle injury.

Rassie Erasmus has chosen Feinberg-Mngomezulu ahead of Manie Libbok, who will cover flyhalf from the bench. Mallett, a former Springbok coach, believes the selection gives South Africa a player with a broad range of options in attack and in the kicking game.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu can kick long, find touch and use contestable kicks, while also possessing the pace to beat defenders. Mallett also highlighted his ability to chip the ball over an opposing backline and recover it himself, adding another attacking option to South Africa’s game plan.

The strongest factor in the decision may be Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s defence. Mallett considers him the best defender among the three flyhalves and said his physicality in that area sets him apart from the other options.

That defensive profile could be especially relevant against New Zealand. Feinberg-Mngomezulu is expected to pressure the All Blacks by moving quickly off the line, making tackles and working hard in the defensive backfield when they have possession.

The Ellis Park start will be another opportunity for him against New Zealand after he opened at flyhalf in South Africa’s record 43-10 victory in Wellington last year. His involvement in that match ended after 18 minutes when an injury forced his replacement by Libbok.