Erasmus explains why he is starting much-criticised Manie Libbok

South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus has explained his decision to start the much-criticised Manie Libbok in next Saturday’s Rugby Championship rematch with Argentina. He also heaped praise on Eben Etzebeth after his inclusion in the starting line-up left him poised to become the most capped Springboks player of all time.

Libbok came into the fray last weekend off the bench in Santiago del Estero in place of Handre Pollard. However, he wound up the subject of much derision after a late missed penalty kick left the Springboks beaten 28-29 in a round five game they had initially led 17-0.

Erasmus defended his player in the immediate aftermath of the loss and he doubled down on this support on Tuesday by promoting Libbok from the South African bench to start at Nelspruit in the final round of the Championship.

“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 fly-half,” explained Erasmus.

“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.”

The Springboks head coach also had a special word of praise for Etzebeth, who is set to make his record-breaking 128th Test appearance. “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.

“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 will give everything to make this a special day for him.”

The Springboks need only a point from the match to guarantee their first Rugby Championship title since the abbreviated version in 2019 and their first full tournament title since 2009, while they will also clinch the title if Argentina win the match without a bonus point based on competition points.

The only permutation that would see Argentina snatch the title from the Boks is if Los Pumas win with a bonus point and deny the hosts a point, which would see them claim the title based on the fact that they would have had two wins over South Africa.