South Africa’s wing Kurt-Lee Arendse (R) celebrates with flyhalf Manie Libbok. Photo by WIKUS DE WET / AFP)
Springboks: Rassie provides huge update on Pollard, Libbok, Am
The Springboks have delayed the naming of their side to face France in the Rugby World Cup. Rassie discusses Pollard, Am and Libbok here.
South Africa’s wing Kurt-Lee Arendse (R) celebrates with flyhalf Manie Libbok. Photo by WIKUS DE WET / AFP)
Rassie Erasmus is a man infamous for his mind games and tomfoolery. He has revealed why the Springboks have delayed the naming of their team to face France, with special reference to Mani Libbok, Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am.
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Rassie discusses selection headaches
“The decision to delay the team naming is without a doubt tactical,” Erasmus answered candidly.
“We have been mixing and matching for the last year and making sure that in almost every single position we have two almost equally good players.
“In some cases, we are not even sure which one is the best, so we’re keeping our options open for a seven-one, six-two or five-three split.
“With both Handre [Pollard] and Manie [Libbok] being available, and Lukhanyo [Am] fully fit, we have sort of made up our minds.
“We want to see what the French team looks like too. That also might have an influence on us going seven-one or six-two.”
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Springboks historically love their trips to France
South Africa has won 11 from 12 Rugby World Cup matches in France spanning showpieces in 1999, 2007 and 2023. The Boks have played at Paris’ Stade de France 10 times, winning seven of those. The only match the Springboks have lost at France’s national stadium was against Ireland last month in the pool stages. South Africa played and won all seven World Cup matches in 2007 matches in France to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy for the second time. Back to the present, the defending champions now focus all their attention on a meeting with France on Sunday at 21:00 in the nation’s capital. A place in the final four is up for grabs.
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Will it be Handre Pollard or Manie Libbok wearing the number 10 jersey on Sunday? Is Lukhanyo Am ready to start a rugby match of this magnitude? Let us know in the comments section below. As ever, Rassie is an intriguing individual.
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game
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