Flyhalf Libbok starting for upgraded Springboks against Pumas in title decider

MBOMBELA, South Africa (AP) - Flyhalf Manie Libbok will surprisingly start for South Africa when it tries to secure the Rugby Championship title against Argentina this weekend.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Handre Pollard have worn the 10 jersey for the Springboks through the championship.

Libbok came off the bench just twice, including last Saturday when they suffered their first loss in the tournament to the Pumas, 29-28 in Santiago del Estero, where he missed a late penalty to win the match and title.

This year he has started just one test, against Portugal. Libbok was the No. 1 flyhalf for the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup a year ago, but he was pulled during the semifinal and wasn’t picked for the final. Pollard led the Boks to the title, instead.

Coach Rassie Erasmus defended Libbok on Tuesday.

"Manie’s general play is fantastic, and he brings a lot of energy and playmaking abilities to the backline," Erasmus said. “He dictates play well, so we back Manie fully to do the job for us at flyhalf.

"It’s not just up to him to find solutions for his goalkicking, it is something we have to do as a team, and we are working on a plan."

World Cup scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse has also risen up the pecking order to start on Saturday ahead of Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams, who featured in the two home wins over New Zealand.

Erasmus made 10 changes, one positional, and restored as starters the likes of Cheslin Kolbe, Peter-Steph du Toit, captain Siya Kolisi and lock Eben Etzebeth, who will eclipse Victor Matfield as the most capped Springbok.

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South Africa: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Jaden Hendrikse; Jasper Wiese, Peter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am.

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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby