Current and former Springboks have come together in support of flyhalf Manie Libbok ahead of this Saturday’s Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in Mbombela.
Libbok, who replaced two-time Rugby World Cup winner Handré Pollard in the second half last weekend, missed a crucial 35-meter penalty in the final minute, leading to a narrow 29-28 defeat against the Pumas. That result left the Rugby Championship title undecided, with Argentina needing to win by more than seven points and score at least three more tries than their rivals to claim the top spot.
South Africa, seeking their second Rugby Championship title in 13 attempts, currently leads the table with 19 points, followed by Argentina with 14, New Zealand with 11, and Australia with 5.
A Tough Loss
For South African fans, who have celebrated back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023 and watched their team win seven out of nine Tests this year, the loss to Argentina was difficult to accept. Many on social media pointed fingers at Libbok, known for his creative playmaking but inconsistent goal-kicking, blaming him for the defeat that prevented the Springboks from clinching the title a match early.
Pollard, on the other hand, is a reliable goal-kicker, whose four penalties secured South Africa’s 12-11 win over New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup final. Despite expectations that Pollard would start against Argentina, coach Rassie Erasmus opted for Libbok to lead the team, keeping Pollard on the bench.
“We understand the criticism and accept it,” said Erasmus. “Manie is integral to how we want to play this weekend, and we have made other plans regarding goal-kicking. Manie wasn’t picked just for kicking; he’s been through tough times, and social media criticism won’t faze him.”
Facing the Challenge
During training this week, AFP observed wing Cheslin Kolbe and scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse practicing goal-kicking. Kolbe acknowledged the work he’s been putting in, saying, “I’ve been working on it, and you never know what could happen on the day.”
Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi expressed his support for Libbok, stating, “Manie has faced a lot in his life outside of rugby, and this is just another challenge for him to prove he belongs at the international level.”
Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers also weighed in, saying that the social media criticism of Libbok had gone too far. “We take rugby seriously, and the Springboks are close to our hearts, but it’s important to remember that, at the end of the day, it’s just a game,” de Villiers said on a podcast.
Former Springbok flanker Schalk Burger added, “Fortunately, that missed kick happened three years before the next World Cup. Manie has plenty of time to work on his game.”
Team Changes
Of the 30 players who started in Argentina last weekend, only 14 will be starting again in Mbombela, with Erasmus making nine changes and Argentina’s coach Felipe Contepomi making seven. For South Africa, the return of rested first-choice players like captain Siya Kolisi and flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit was anticipated.
Contepomi noted the need for “fresh legs” after traveling from Santiago del Estero to Mbombela, while acknowledging the strength of the Springboks’ bench, known as the “bomb squad.” Argentina, however, also boasts strong replacements, including flanker Pablo Matera.
Saturday’s match will hold special significance for Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who is set to make his record-breaking 128th appearance for South Africa.
“If we can win the Championship, it will be a huge moment for the team and for Eben. We’re going to give everything to make it a memorable day for him,” said Erasmus.
