Libbok to Start at Fly-Half for South Africa Against England
Manie Libbok, who has accumulated 145 points over 28 caps for South Africa, will start at fly-half in place of the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for the upcoming match against England. The Springboks announced their team more than five days ahead of Saturday's kickoff.
Libbok secured the number 10 jersey, prevailing over Handre Pollard, who was the starting fly-half in South Africa’s Rugby World Cup final victories in 2019 and 2023. This selection is part of a strong lineup fielded by the Springboks.
There are four changes from the South African side that defeated Ireland 24-13 last November in their most recent full-strength match. Grant Williams is introduced at scrum-half, while Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to the wing, adding pace and threat to the backline.
The front row features Ox Nche at loosehead, with Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit completing the trio. Du Toit is set to join the Sharks from Bath this summer. The pack also includes experienced players Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Coverage of the match will be available live on BBC Radio 5 Live, , and the website and app, with live text commentary accompanying the broadcast.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a more traditional bench setup, selecting five specialist forwards rather than the seven forwards he has experimented with previously. Notably, former Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen has been used as a flanker off the bench in past matches.
Both Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse will reach their 50th caps as part of the starting lineup, marking significant milestones in their international careers.
"England are a quality outfit, and we are expecting them to give everything they have in this match, so it was important to select a squad with experience combined with a few younger players, who have proved that they have what it takes to perform at this level," said Erasmus. His team recently secured an 80-31 victory over a Barbarians side in a warm-up fixture on 20 June.
England’s team announcement is anticipated later this week.
South Africa Team Selection
Starting XV: Damian Willemse; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Manie Libbok, Grant Williams; Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Nortje, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Wiese
Replacements: Marvin Wessels, Steven Steenekamp, Jacobus Porthen, Ruan van Staden, Henco Hanekom, Jaden Hendrikse, Andre Esterhuizen, Kurt-Lee Moodie
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