Springboks rally behind under-fire Libbok before title decider

MBOMBELA - Current and former Springboks have rallied behind under-fire South Africa fly-half Manie Libbok ahead of a Rugby Championship title decider against Argentina in Mbombela on Saturday.

Libbok, a second-half replacement for two-time Rugby World Cup winner Handre Pollard, missed a 35-metre penalty in the final minute last weekend which led to a 29-28 defeat by the Pumas.

The result left the outcome of the Championship in the balance with Argentina needing to win this weekend by more than seven points and score at least three tries more than their rivals to finish first.

Seeking only a second title from 12 attempts, South Africa top the table with 19 points, Argentina have 14, New Zealand 11 and Australia five.

South African supporters, cheered by back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023 and seven wins from nine Tests this year, found the loss in Argentina hard to take.

Many social media users blamed Libbok, a creative playmaker but erratic goal-kicker, for a loss that deprived the Springboks of the title with a match to spare.

Pollard, on the other hand, is a renowned goal-kicker - his four penalties gave South Africa a 12-11 victory over New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris.

He was expected to face Argentina, but coach Rassie Erasmus sprang a surprise by choosing Libbok to start, with Pollard on the bench.

"We understand the criticism and take it on the chin. Manie is integral to the way we want to play this weekend and we have made some other plans with the goal-kicking," said Erasmus.

"Manie has not just been chosen to take shots at goal. He is a guy who has been through deep waters. Social media criticism will not affect him."

'JUST ANOTHER CHALLENGE'

AFP spotted wing Cheslin Kolbe and scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse practising goal-kicking this week in the northeastern city.

"I have been working on it (goal-kicking) and you never know what can happen on the day," said Kolbe.

Hooker Bongi Mbonambi, a Springbok starter in Mbombela, sympathised with Libbok, saying "Manie has been through a lot in his life outside of rugby".

"For him this is just another challenge to prove that he is an international-standard fly-half worthy of a place in the Springboks team," he added.

Former South Africa captain and centre Jean de Villiers said in a podcast that the social media attacks were "too much".

"We take rugby extremely seriously and the Springboks are close to our hearts, but at the end of the day it is just a game," he said.

A fellow retired Springbok, flanker Schalk Burger, said: "Luckily the missed kick came three years before the next World Cup. Manie has time to improve."

Only 14 of the 30 starters in Argentina last Saturday will fulfil similar roles in Mbombela with Erasmus making nine changes and Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi seven.

Wholesale Springbok alterations were expected with first choices rested for the trip to South America, including captain Siya Kolisi and fellow flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, recalled.

Former Argentina backline star Contepomi said he believed there was a need for "fresh legs" after the journey from Santiago del Estero to Mbombela.

While the Springboks are famed for the strength of their bench, popularly known as the "bomb squad", the Pumas also boast formidable replacements, including flanker Pablo Matera.

The Mbombela Test will be a special occasion for South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth, who is set to make a record 128th appearance for his country.

"If we can win the Championship it will be a massive occasion for the team and Eben. We will give everything to make this a special day for him," said Erasmus.