Manie Libbok's moment of truth has arrived, as he's been handed the keys to the Springboks' fly-half position for Saturday's crunch Test match against England. The 27-year-old faces a baptism by fire, replacing injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and preferred over World Cup-winning fly-half Handre Pollard. It's a bold call from coach Rassie Erasmus, one that signals the Springboks' intent to take on the English mighty in what promises to be an epic showdown.
Libbok's inclusion is just one of four changes to the team that dismantled Ireland 24-13 in November. Grant Williams gets his chance at scrum-half, while Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to the starting XV with pace and precision. The front row sees a new face in Ox Nche at loosehead prop, partnering Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit – who'll be leaving Bath for the Sharks at the end of the summer.
The Springboks' pack is still the stuff of nightmares for English opponents, boasting a powerhouse trio of Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, and Pieter-Steph du Toit. Coach Erasmus has opted for a more conventional bench composition this time around, with five specialist forwards on hand to take the fight to England's forward pack.
This match will be a milestone occasion for two key players – Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse – who'll both earn their 50th caps for South Africa as part of the starting line-up. Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Erasmus described England as 'a quality outfit' and warned that his team would need to be at the top of their game to come out on top.
The build-up to this showdown has seen the Springboks in scintillating form, having dismantled a Barbarians side 80-31 just over a fortnight ago. Now, it's England's turn to conjure up their response – but one thing's for sure: this fixture promises to be a cracker!
Source: South African Rugby Union