How Springboks could line up for final: One HUGE call to make!

The final of Rugby World Cup 2023 will see three-time champions New Zealand tackling the defending champion Springboks at Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday, 28 October. 

Revealed: Why Libbok was replaced after just 30 minutes!

One of the two nations will become the first to lift the Webb Ellis Cup four times. New Zealand previously won in 1987, 2011 and 2015, and South Africa in 1995, 2007 and 2019.

For the Springboks, the major selection decision will revolve around whether to continue starting Manie Libbok at flyhalf or to consider allowing Handre Pollard to reclaim the No 10 jersey after his stunning cameo this past weekend.

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Following Saturday’s game, the Springbok coaches insisted that the early replacement of Libbok was not an indication they had lost faith in him, but there are questions over how his confidence may be impacted.

Just as notable, though, is the fact that Jacques Nienaber highlighted how the Springboks will need to score plenty of points against New Zealand this Saturday, with Libbok perhaps best suited to this sort of game.

“They [the All Blacks] are in excellent form. If you look at their last few games, [if] you’re not going to get close to 30-35 points, you won’t be in the mix.”

If Libbok does start, then Reinach could be seen as the best halfback partner based on the combination they have formed, although the experience of Faf de Klerk may be preferred.

ALSO READ: What sparked Springboks-England post-match brawl?

HERE IS HOW THE SPRINGBOKS COULD LINE UP:

Springboks – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux.

ALSO READ: Could top Springbok miss World Cup final?

FINAL WORLD CUP GAMES:

Friday, 27 October

Bronze Final – 21:00: Argentina v England – Stade de France

Saturday, 28 October

Final – 21:00: New Zealand v South Africa – Stade de France

ALSO READ: Springboks v All Blacks: The Rugby World Cup final we DESERVE

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027

Teams qualified for RWC 2027 in Australia courtesy of a top-three finish in their pool: Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Wales

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