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South Africa bench Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for second Test against New Zealand

Handre Pollard steps in at fly-half for the Springboks following a 33-16 opening-match loss in Johannesburg.

The short version

  • South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has moved fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to the bench and recalled Handre Pollard to start Saturday's rematch in Cape Town.
  • Injuries have forced additional backline changes for the Springboks, with Ethan Hooker and Cobus Reinach entering the starting lineup.
  • New Zealand enter the second Test following a 33-16 series-opening victory under new head coach Dave Rennie.
  • Fly-half Richie Mo'unga is in line for a potential All Blacks return after re-signing with domestic teams following a stint in Japan.

Key facts

  • Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was named on the bench for South Africa's upcoming Test against New Zealand after turning over possession five times in the series opener.[BBC News]
  • New Zealand defeated South Africa 33-16 in the first Test of the series in Johannesburg.[BBC News]
  • Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus recalled 32-year-old fly-half Handre Pollard to the starting lineup.[BBC News]
  • Injuries to Cheslin Kolbe and Grant Williams brought Ethan Hooker and Cobus Reinach into South Africa's starting side.[BBC News]
  • Richie Mo'unga was named to start at fly-half for New Zealand in a midweek fixture against the Lions after returning to domestic rugby with Canterbury and the Crusaders.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • Siya Kolisi's availability for the second Test remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury, with Paul de Villiers named as a backup.[BBC News]

Sources