Last year, Manie Libbok was the standout flyhalf for the Springboks, playing a pivotal role in their triumphant World Cup campaign.
Fast forward to this season, and his role has shifted considerably.
He only started in the one-off Test against Portugal and came off the bench in the second Rugby Championship match against Australia.
Rising Competition
Libbok has seen himself overtaken in the flyhalf pecking order by the versatile Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Despite this, there’s no doubt that the Stormers star is still very much in the Springboks’ plans. With Feinberg-
Mngomezulu among seven players set to be rested for the upcoming Test in Argentina, Libbok is expected to step back into the No 10 jersey to gain some valuable game time.
Coach’s Insights
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber weighed in on Libbok’s situation, acknowledging the competitive nature of the squad.
He explained, “We’ve got the theory that if we want to look ahead to 2027, we need a Springbok squad of 50.
Players who are 30 or 32 in the next World Cup can’t play every Test match.
Manie is definitely one of the fittest guys and remains very positive, but I’m sure it’s tough for him not being selected more regularly this season.”
Springboks’ Standings and Upcoming Challenges
The Springboks are currently leading the Rugby Championship with 18 points from four wins.
Argentina follows with 10 points, while New Zealand and Australia trail with seven and four points, respectively.
South Africa needs just three more log points from their final two matches to secure their first title since 2019.
This would cap off a fantastic tournament, following victories in the Mandela Challenge Plate and the Freedom Cup.
Strategic Decisions and Future Goals
“We’ve been clear about our policy to give as many players as possible a chance to play against top teams,” said Erasmus.
“Facing Argentina in Santiago, especially with a passionate home crowd, will be a great test for our squad.”
Erasmus also highlighted the importance of rest for players who have contributed significantly this season.
“The players we’ve decided to rest have earned a break, so they’ll get to spend time with their families before rejoining us in Nelspruit.
The 28-man squad we’ve selected has shown their worth, and we’re excited to see them take on Argentina.”
He added, “Argentina proved their strength last week with a massive win over the Wallabies, so we know this match will be challenging.
It’s exactly the kind of experience we want as we build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.”
Latest Springbok Squad
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch, Ox Nche (both Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls)
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls)
Loose Forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks)
Utility Forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls)
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks)
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers)
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)
Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi (both Sharks)
Utility Back: Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls)
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