Feinberg-Mngomezulu one of seven Boks rested for short Argentina tour.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu is one of seven Springboks being rested for the upcoming short tour to Argentina.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 28-man squad for a one-week tour to Argentina to face the Pumas. Notably, flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will be absent from this tour as part of a group of seven players being rested. This decision is in preparation for the Rugby Championship match in Santiago, Argentina.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who was seen with heavy strapping on his right leg during the last quarter of Saturday’s 18-12 victory over the All Blacks, is listed as “rested.” Sources reveal that the 22-year-old rising star limped off the training field the week before the All-Blacks match in Cape Town.
The Springboks delayed naming their team for that game by 48 hours, eventually starting Handré Pollard. Feinberg-Mngomezulu came off the bench and seemed to struggle with his kicking, though he made a notable line break in general play.
The seven players not traveling to Argentina are Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Frans Malherbe (prop), Pieter-Steph du Toit (loose forward), Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian de Allende (centre), Cheslin Kolbe (wing), and Willie le Roux (fullback). Erasmus explained that these players have earned a break after a demanding season and will return refreshed for the match in Nelspruit against Argentina.
While some players like De Allende, Mbonambi, Du Toit, and Kolbe clearly benefit from the rest, others in the touring squad, such as Eben Etzebeth, Jesse Kriel, and Ox Nche, have played every Test this season except the one against Portugal. Captain Siya Kolisi will also travel despite needing nose surgery.
Erasmus emphasized the importance of continuity, and the challenge posed by the Pumas, who are riding high after a decisive 67-27 win over Australia. He is confident in the squad’s depth and believes that younger players will step up effectively.
The squad includes two specialist hookers—Malcolm Marx and Johan Grobbelaar—and two specialist centres—Kriel and Lukhanyo Am. Versatile players like Jan-Hendrik Wessels, usually a prop, and flank Marco van Staden can cover hooker, while Canan Moodie can play at both centre and fullback.
Despite missing several key players due to injuries and rest, Erasmus remains optimistic about the squad’s strength. Lock Salmaan Moerat is expected to start in Santiago, with Etzebeth potentially coming off the bench. The scrumhalf position will be closely watched, with Jaden Hendrikse and Cobus Reinach providing options alongside Grant Williams.
Libbok may start at flyhalf, with Pollard shifting to inside centre and Am at outside centre, while Kriel could offer wing and centre options from the bench. Kurt-Lee Arendse and Makazole Mapimpi are back in the squad, with Aphelele Fassi likely to start at fullback following a strong performance against the All Blacks.
Erasmus noted the opportunity for players like Johan Grobbelaar, Manie Libbok, Jaden Hendrikse, and Canan Moodie to gain valuable experience. He remains committed to giving as many players as possible a chance to perform against top teams and views the Argentina tour as a critical test for the squad.
Springbok squad for Argentina tour:
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ruan Nortjé (Bulls).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Utility forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handré Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks).
Utility back: Canan Moodie (Bulls).
