Butch James Backs Springboks’ Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu but Highlights Handre Pollard’s Importance

• Ex-Springbok flyhalf Butch James has shared his preferred fly-half pecking order ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup
• Handré Pollard's role within the squad has shifted since a new face burst onto the Springbok scene
• James named all three of South Africa's current flyhalf options and ranked them in a clear order of preference

Former Springbok flyhalf Butch James says Handré Pollard remains an essential part of South Africa's plans heading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, despite no longer being the first name on the teamsheet.

Pollard was central to the Springboks' consecutive World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, delivering under pressure in the semi-finals and finals of both tournaments with his boot. His prominence in the squad has since decreased as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has established himself as a dynamic attacking option at flyhalf, reshaping how the Boks operate in the backline.

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Speaking as a 10bet ambassador, James was asked to lay out his preferred starting order for the No 10 jersey and did not hesitate to put Feinberg-Mngomezulu first.

"Sacha would be my first-choice No 10. If Sacha got injured, I would start with Handré. Then as third choice, I would have Manie Libbok," James told IOL.

"They're all outstanding options for the jersey."

Despite placing Pollard second, James was emphatic that the experienced flyhalf should not be discarded from the squad, pointing to his composure and wealth of international knowledge as qualities that cannot easily be replaced.

"I think Handré Pollard does have a role to play at the World Cup in Australia next year," James said. "He's one of the best if not the best flyhalf South Africa's ever had. So you've got to keep him around. We've seen that he can still come on and do the job. Why wouldn't you want to keep him around? He's as cool as anything and brings so much experience and knowledge to the team."

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James also noted that Pollard's physical condition gives no reason for concern. "Physically, he still seems to be running around like a young Handré. He's still got that ability."

The remarks reflect a broader conversation within South African rugby about how the Springboks manage the transition between a trusted World Cup-winning operator and a younger playmaker who offers something different to the team's attack.

Source: Briefly News