All Blacks legend Dan Carter believes that young Springbok player Sacha Feinberg-Mongomery can make an impact in the second match of the greatest rugby rivalry, which will take place at the DHL Stadium on Saturday.
Carter, who is a UNICEF ambassador and an All Blacks player, is well-versed in managing pressure in the role of first five eight. He predicts that the young Springbok pivot will be able to take on responsibility in the upcoming match.
In the previous test match at Ellis Park, the Springboks lost to the All Blacks with a score of 33:16. Coach Rassie Erasmus returned to experienced Hendry Pollard in response to this decision, while Feinberg-Mongomery was sent to the bench for the game in Cape Town.
However, Hendry Pollard sustained a hamstring injury during training, leading to Feinberg-Mongomery replacing him on Friday. Carter believes that the Stormers star demonstrated the necessary level in the match when the Springboks defeated the All Blacks 43:10 in Wellington.
"He is a rare talent. We all saw what he is capable of last year," Carter exclusively told IOL Sport during a UNICEF reception co-hosted with the New Zealand Embassy in Cape Town. He added that the player "can earn many points and completely change the game with his skill and momentum."
Carter also expressed sympathy for Hendry Pollard, especially because the veteran was close to tears when forced off the 23-man squad list, despite expecting further participation from the Springboks. "I feel so sorry for Hendry. He was such a pillar for the Springboks team, patiently watching Sacha from the sidelines, and he had the opportunity," said Carter. He continued that despite the injury, Pollard will return, become stronger, and that the Springboks possess immense talent and depth in this position.
Percy Montgomery, the Springbok flyhalf, predicted that the kicking game would be influential at the DHL Stadium, especially considering the gloomy weather and expected rain. Nevertheless, Carter believes the second match will still be a demonstration of skill decided by minimal margins. "I think it will be a tight game. You want to gather and score as many points as possible. I am sure they learned their lesson in the Springboks last week. They put all kinds of pressure on us and didn't score. I am confident we will see if they can take advantage of the opportunities this week to grab three points."