Springbok flyhalf battle: Cause for concern?
· The South African
There is of course no need to panic as there are still a few months to go before the Springboks swing into action in 2026, but it is fair to say that the national coaches will be keeping a particularly close eye on the performances of their flyhalf regulars.
With the URC and Champions Cup competitions heading towards the business end, it does seem like there is everything to play for when it comes to the battle for the No 10 jersey.
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The Springbok coaches are more than happy to rotate with their selections, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok were widely seen as the first and second-choice flyhalves by the end of the last Test season.
However, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s form has fluctuated in recent weeks for the Stormers, and in particular his goal-kicking inconsistency has been a cause for some concern.
It could open the door for increased competition, and it is actually Libbok who has really been impressive since making the move to Japan, although the level of the competition there will always be up for debate.
Handre Pollard, who is still only about to turn 32-years-old, has been back at the Bulls this season, but he has also struggled at times to pull the strings with the desired effect as the Pretoria-based side as a whole have struggled to perform at the desired level.
Important year for Springboks’ World Cup planning
With a blockbuster season of fixtures coming up for the Springboks, and preparation for the 2027 World Cup a top priority, it will be a big focus area for the national coaches to know exactly what their best options are at flyhalf and particularly to feel confident about the goal-kicking consistency.
It can’t be forgotten how the Springboks went into the last World Cup with just one specialist flyhalf in Libbok, while goal-kicking was a real cause for concern until Pollard was later recalled to the squad.
The Springboks are in a far better position now considering how Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Libbok have progressed in recent seasons, while Pollard still offers a highly reliable option.
However, the coaching team will equally want to see an upturn in form from their three frontline flyhalves, with the likes of Jordan Hendrikse and Damian Willemse also offering alternative options.
Blessed with depth
Recently, Erasmus did say he was satisfied with the options at 10.
“Sometimes even having as many as six flyhalves might not be enough, but having our three currently, plus Jordan, we feel safe. But then in two weeks, three guys go down, and then Damian is your starting guy with Jordan having to play a big match.
“Spreading the load will be important. Like when Jordan and his brother Jaden played against Wales, they have that experience together.”