While all eyes will be on Eben Etzebeth setting a new Springbok caps record, Manie Libbok was the big selection call made by coach Rassie Erasmus on Tuesday when announcing his team to face Argentina in Saturday’s Rugby Championship title decider in Mbombela (5pm start).
Libbok has been heavily criticised over the last few days after missing a crucial late penalty in last weekend’s 29-28 defeat to Los Pumas in Santiago del Estero.
But the Stormers star was supported by his coach and teammates afterwards, with Erasmus stating that the result shouldn’t have come down to that kick as the Boks had several other scoring opportunities that were wasted.
The Bok boss again expressed his backing for Libbok on Tuesday: “Manie’s general play is fantastic, and he brings a lot of energy and play-making abilities to the backline. He dictates play well, so we back Manie fully to do the job for us at flyhalf.
“It’s not just up to him to find solutions for his goal-kicking – it is something we have to do as a team, and we are working on a plan.”
Apart from Libbok, Erasmus has also opted for the all-round calmness of Jaden Hendrikse at scrumhalf, while regulars who were rested for the Argentina away clash, such as captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Frans Malherbe and Bongi Mbonambi are all back in the side.
Etzebeth equalled Victor Matfield’s 127 Test caps last week, and will stand on his own when he runs out in the No 4 jersey on Saturday.
“As a former Springbok, I can attest to what a massive achievement it will be for Eben to become the most capped Springbok ever, and we are all very proud of him and want to make this a special and memorable occasion for him,” Erasmus said.
“If we can win the title and finish the competition off with a victory, it would be a massive occasion for the team and Eben as an individual, and we’ll give everything to make this a special day for him.
“We planned to recall the players we rested last week because it allowed us to ensure that we have a group of core players who remained in the South African time zone and who would slot back into the team with ease.
“They will not only bring fresh legs and vast experience to the team, it also allows us to select a settled team that played most of the matches in the Incoming Series.
“The match-23 also includes 19 Rugby World Cup winners, which will bode well for the team, while the other players selected have performed under immense pressure in the competition this season and they all deserve their places in the squad.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge against an Argentinian team that has something special brewing in their set-up and who will give everything to win their first title in the competition, and we selected this team with that in mind.”
Springbok Team
15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Cheslin Kolbe 13 Jesse Kriel 12 Damian de Allende 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse 10 Manie Libbok 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Jasper Wiese 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit 6 Siya Kolisi (captain) 5 Ruan Nortjé 4 Eben Etzebeth 3 Frans Malherbe 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Malcolm Marx 17 Gerhard Steenekamp 18 Vincent Koch 19 Elrigh Louw 20 Kwagga Smith 21 Cobus Reinach 22 Handré Pollard 23 Lukhanyo Am.