Erasmus targets Argentina Test for Feinberg-Mngomezulu's Springbok comeback

Rassie Erasmus has pinpointed the August 8 Test against Argentina as the target date for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s return to the Springbok setup, with the star flyhalf edging closer to full fitness after a high ankle sprain sustained in late May.

The injury, suffered during the Stormers’ quarter-final, carried an initial prognosis of three to four months. That timeline, if met at its optimistic end, would hand Feinberg-Mngomezulu a single Test to demonstrate his readiness before South Africa host New Zealand in the first match of the Greatest Rivalry Tour on August 22.

Erasmus confirmed the plan while reflecting on the volume of experienced players currently sidelined. “We’ll probably get Sacha into the group next week, because he might be ready for Argentina,” he said, listing a raft of absentees that also includes Manie Libbok, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Canan Moodie.

The Springbok head coach also noted that South Africa’s final Nations Championship fixture against Wales would serve as a staging post for several other returning players. Among those close to fitness are Pieter-Steph du Toit stand-in Ruan Nortje — referred to by Erasmus as “Krappie” Van den Berg — as well as captain Siya Kolisi and lock Lood de Jager.

Erasmus was candid about the experience deficit his squad faced in recent weeks. “Today we were totally outnumbered in experience,” he said, adding that managing minutes for players such as Ethan Hooker and Jesse Kriel would also factor into selection thinking ahead of the Argentina clash.

With the All Blacks series looming as the centrepiece of South Africa’s home programme, the phased return of so many frontline players will be closely monitored. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, in particular, has been one of the most exciting young flyhalves in world rugby and his availability could prove decisive in what promises to be a fiercely contested series.