South Africa's Springboks reposition captain Kolisi to Number 8 for the opening match against Australia
In the highly anticipated match against Australia, the Springboks have named Manie Libbok as their starting fly-half. This decision comes as regular No. 8 Jasper Wiese serves a four-match ban, leaving an opening for Marco van Staden to step into the starting line-up as a flanker [1].
The Springboks' starting forwards are Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche. Siya Kolisi captains the team, and Pieter-Steph du Toit completes the back row [2].
Upfront, Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, and Damian Willemse are the replacements for the match. Regrettably, Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom are unavailable due to pre-season injuries [3].
The 34-year-old double Rugby World Cup winner, Marco van Staden, makes his 94th Test appearance in the match [4]. Andre Esterhuizen fills in for Damian de Allende at inside centre, while Edwin van der Merwe replaces Cheslin Kolbe on the right wing [5].
Aphelele Fassi is named as the starting fullback, and Kurt-Lee Arendse takes the left wing position [6]. Grant Williams and Manie Libbok are the starting scrum-half and fly-half, respectively, with Williams being in the front of the queue for the scrum-half position [7].
Libbok's goal-kicking has been a topic of concern due to his past inconsistency at Test level. Despite being the only out-and-out goal-kicker in the Springboks XV, his kicking accuracy off the tee has been questionable over recent years, making it a potential risk for the team [2]. Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks' head coach, acknowledged this risk but expressed confidence in Libbok, naming Aphelele Fassi and Damian Willemse as backup kickers [2].
Critics have pointed out that Libbok tends to "crumble under pressure" and has often failed to perform to the required standard at the international level [4]. Nevertheless, the coach and team continue to support him despite the scrutiny and criticism following South Africa's 38-22 defeat to Australia in the Rugby Championship opener [4][5].
The team hopes that the match outcome will be more about tries than penalties or conversions, relying primarily on Libbok’s kicking while keeping backup options ready [2][4]. The Springboks will look to bounce back from their recent loss and secure a victory against Australia.
References: 1. Springboks Team Announcement: Australia v South Africa, Rugby Championship Round 2 2. Libbok to start at flyhalf as Springboks look to bounce back against Australia 3. Injury-hit Springboks name team to face Australia 4. Manie Libbok under pressure as Springboks' flyhalf 5. Libbok keeps faith as Springboks' flyhalf against Australia
The Springboks will face Australia in an international sports event, with Manie Libbok starting as their fly-half, despite concerns about his goal-kicking accuracy. Regardless, the team is looking to Africa, hoping for a victory that will be more about tries rather than penalties or conversions.
