VIDEO: Youth at No.10 has not won World Cups says Erasmus
VIDEO: Handre Pollard will get his first start on tour when the Springboks play Italy in Turin on Saturday, and his role in the national setup heading into the next World Cup is far from done.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has been very vocal about the role Pollard plays in the squad and has emphasised the importance of the most senior flyhalf in the group.
Speaking after the Test against Japan at Wembley Stadium a fortnight ago, local journalists were in awe of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s performance. They asked Erasmus about his trajectory and rapid rise.
The coach was quick to point out that the 23-year-old has been in the Springbok system for a long time, while he reminded all that no team has ever won a World Cup with a flyhalf younger than 25.
South Africa is blessed with three highly talented pivots, and Erasmus and his coaching team know exactly how to manage them and build their Test caps heading into World Cup 2027 in Australia.
There is no denying the value of having an experienced No.10 like Pollard, who played a vital role in South Africa clinching back-to-back World Cup titles.
“We must never forget what Handre did for us at crunch times and what Manie [Libbok] has done for us against Scotland in the World Cup.
“People say Handre is old, but he is only 31 and could easily still go to the next World Cup.
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“There has never been a World Cup win with a flyhalf younger than 25,” Erasmus stated, adding, “Sacha will keep on growing and we will manage him correctly.
“We must remember that he was with us from 2022, when we were touring Ireland and he was playing for the SA ‘A’ side against Munster and Bristol.
“He comes through our EPD (Elite Player Development) system. I think everybody sees it as a rapid rise, but he trained the whole end-of-year series with us.
“With Handre and Manie, and Mzwandile Stick and Tony [Brown] helping him, obviously, we all know he is a great talent.
“He’s got the magic of the feel for the game, which he displayed, and he is on 17 caps now.
“With him, Handre, and Manie, we are fortunate.
“We can see Sacha getting more and more comfortable, but it is always another step-up in the next game.”.
With Erasmus set to announce his side to face Italy later on Thursday, a shake-up is expected from the side that thumped France last weekend.
Morne van den Berg is back at scrumhalf, Pollard at No.10, with Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie the centre combination, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe on the wings, and Damian Willemse at fullback.
A new loose forward combination is on the cards with Kwagga Smith back at eight, Franco Mostert on the blindside, and Marco van Staden on the openside.
With Lood de Jager out due to his suspension, the lock duo is most likely Jean Kleyn in his first outing on tour together with RG Snyman.
The pack will most likely feature any of Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Zachary Porthern, Johan Grobbelaar and Gerhard Steenekamp in the starting line-up.
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