Boec James, a World Cup champion, believes that Handre Pollard still plays a huge role in the Springboks squad ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia, despite preferring Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as the primary player at number 10.
Pollard played a key role in South Africa winning two consecutive Webb Ellis Cups in 2019 and 2023, establishing himself as one of the most reliable players in crucial matches in modern rugby history.
However, in recent years, Pollard has served a supporting role in the Springboks setup following the emergence of Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who brought new attacking potential and individual skill to South Africa's backline.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu possesses incredible ball-carrying stats: speed, anticipation, and power make him difficult to defend. Nevertheless, at 24, he is still learning his trade, especially regarding game management and goal kicking. However, there is no doubt that he is a talent of his generation.
Despite the addition of new attacking elements to Rasmus Erasmus's team via assistant coach Tony Brown, James insists that Pollard's composure and rich experience make him an indispensable part of the squad for the World Cup.
Pollard featured in the last two World Cup semi-finals and finals, helping the Springboks secure victories. For James, having such a backup option in the squad is an obvious decision.
"Yes, I think Handre Pollard has a role in the World Cup in Australia next year," James told 10bet. "He is one of, if not the best, flyhalves South Africa has ever had. So he needs to be kept. I think we have seen that he can still step up and do the job." He added: "Why not keep him? He is very calm and brings so much experience and knowledge to the team."
It is critical that James noted Pollard's physical qualities remain sharp, despite the high mileage his body has covered over a decade at the elite level. James emphasized: "Physically, he still runs like a young Handre. He still has that ability."
Nevertheless, when asked about who should wear the Springboks number 10 jersey as the Boks' playing style evolves, the 2007 World Cup winner clearly stated his preference.
"My first choice will be Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Sasha will be my first choice at number 10," James announced. "If Sasha gets injured, I would start with Handre, putting him on the bench to support him with experience. And the third choice would be Mani Leibbok. They are all outstanding options for that jersey."
Feinberg-Mngomezulu's rise in the Springboks squad has attracted the attention of South African rugby fans, but it has also generated huge expectations. Critics and fans often scrutinize the young playmaker in every match, expecting genius capable of changing the course of the game.
James acknowledged the weight of these expectations for the Stormers prodigy, noting that young players in prominent positions often feel the need to force things instead of allowing the game to develop naturally. He explained: "Yes, I think sometimes he probably creates more pressure for himself than necessary," James clarified. "But unfortunately, when you are at the top, that's when the pressure arises. And I think every player wants to be there, so they don't object to the pressure—it's just part of the game at the elite level."
Reflecting on Feinberg-Mngomezulu's recent impact in green and gold, James urged fans to give the young athlete room to grow and accept that dips in form are a natural part of player development. He said: "I think he had such a great debut season for the Springboks, which causes this pressure, and obviously, we all want him to play in every match like his first season." He continued: "So it's hard for him because we know he can perform. He is a great player, and he is a person. He will have bad games from time to time, but he is a wonderful rugby player."
Regarding Mani Leibbok, whose bright performances off the bench against the All Blacks demonstrated his unique playmaking abilities, James views him as a necessary element of the Springboks squad depth, even if he currently holds the third spot in line. James added: "I think he will definitely get more starts at number 10, but I think he is slightly behind Sasha." He concluded: "I think it also depends on who you are playing and what the match is. You can even put him on the bench. But if it's a decisive match and you need points, I would put Handre forward."
With three first-class options with completely different skill sets, the depth of South Africa's flyhalf squad remains a subject of envy in world rugby as Australia approaches.
