The Springbok coaches have made it clear that they will not stop their policy of rotation at flyhalf, and for this Saturday’s Test against the Wallabies, Manie Libbok has been handed the No 10 jersey, while Damian Willemse will provide cover.
Historically, the role of the flyhalf general has held such importance that very few coaches have rotated or experimented in this position, but Rassie Erasmus has insisted there is no first-choice flyhalf in the Springbok squad.
This week Erasmus also confirmed that Handre Pollard and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are likely to come back into the team squad for the second Test in Cape Town.
“Sacha and Handre will probably play in Cape Town, so we are just trying to spread the load a bit there,” Erasmus said
“We know Damian can play flyhalf, so we feel we are well covered there (this weekend),” Erasmus added.
“We’ve found that in the past, the only time we swap a flyhalf is when he is having an off day or when he is missing goal kicks.
“Manie has been slotting them well. The new balls are making a difference; he is doing well.
Earlier this year, Erasmus also explained why they felt chopping and changing at flyhalf was not an issue, but rather a positive.
“Everything depends on who our opposition is on the day and what our plan is. I like to believe it gives us options,” said Erasmus. “By not having a first-choice flyhalf, it makes it more difficult for opposing teams to analyse us and makes us less predictable.
“Who we choose depends on who we play and whether we go with a 5-3, 6-2 or 7-1 split on the bench. With a 6-2 bench, guys like Damian Willemse or Sacha could work nicely.”
REMINDER OF THE REMAINING SPRINGBOK SCHEDULE FOR 2025:
- 16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Kick off: 17:10.
- 23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:10.
- 6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland. Kick off: 09:05.
- 13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington. Kick off: 09:05.
- 27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban. Kick off: 17:10.
- 4 October: vs Argentina, London. Kick off: 15:00.
- (*Still to be confirmed) – 1 November: vs Japan, Brighton. Kick off: TBD.
- 8 November: vs France, Paris. Kick off: 22:10.
- 15 November: vs Italy, Turin. Kick off: 14:40
- 22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin. Kick off: 19:40.
- 29 November: vs Wales, Cardiff. Kick off: 17:10.
WHICH SA FIXTURES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?
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