All eyes on Goosen for Munster clash

SPRINGBOK fans will have to wait to see starlet Sacha FeinbergMngomezulu in the colours of green and gold after South African ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick confirmed he picked up a knock in the lead-up to the Ireland game last week.

SA ‘A’ will play a tour match against Munster on Thursday (kick-off 9.30pm) but it will be without the services of FeinbergMngomezulu, who was largely touted as a shoe-in for some playing time during this End-of-Year tour.

“Sacha last week picked up a bit of a knock during the training sessions,” Stick said yesterday after the SA ‘A’ team announcement.

“It’s not like he won’t be able to play in the next two weeks, it’s just that the medical team wanted to spend more time with him on that side.”

In his absence, Johan Goosen will lace his boots for the match, and there will be much interest in seeing how the Bulls flyhalf goes in the position. Goosen is seen as an important fulcrum for France 2023, especially with the stocks in the No 10 jumper at critical levels.

If he can stay fit, and enjoys some consistent game time, he could also find himself in the Springbok squad in the next few weeks, as well as in the frame for a World Cup call-up next year.

The big talking-point this week, however, will be the role of Manie Libbok.

Stick confirmed that Libbok travelled with the Boks to France from Ireland instead of staying behind in Ireland for the clash at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork.

Libbok could slot in at flyhalf for the French Test to boost the goal-kicking after incumbent No 10 Damian Willemse and fullback Cheslin Kolbe struggled from the kicking tee against Ireland.

The Stormers’ flyhalf kicking record for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship is over 85%, while his general play was a big factor in their title-winning run last season.

An injury to lock Lood de Jager and the possible absence of Jasper Wiese due to concussion, could also see Marvin Orie and Evan Roos travel with the Boks to France as well.

The injuries to De Jager and Wiese necessitated a call up for the England-based Du Preez twins, JeanLuc and Dan.

Jean-Luc will start at No 8 against Munster, while Dan, who can cover lock and loose forward, is on the bench. |