South Africa Name Libbok at Fly-Half to Face England in High-Stakes Showdown
The Springboks have confirmed Manie Libbok will wear the number 10 jersey against England, with four changes from their last full-strength outing.
Springboks Announce Starting XV More Than Five Days Before England Clash
South Africa have wasted no time in revealing their lineup for Saturday's highly anticipated clash against England, naming their squad an unusually early five-plus days before kick-off. The headline selection sees Manie Libbok handed the fly-half role, stepping in for the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Libbok Edges Out Pollard for the 10 Shirt
Libbok has won the starting berth ahead of Handre Pollard — the man who wore the number 10 jersey during South Africa's Rugby World Cup final victories in both 2019 and 2023. The selection signals head coach Rassie Erasmus's confidence in Libbok's ability to orchestrate a formidable Springbok attack at the highest level.
Four Changes from the Ireland Victory
This lineup represents four alterations from the South Africa side that defeated Ireland 24-13 in November, their most recent outing at full strength. Grant Williams earns the scrum-half position, while the electric Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to the wing, adding another potent attacking threat to the backline.
A Powerful and Experienced Forward Pack
The front row sees Ox Nche at loosehead prop, partnered with Malcolm Marx at hooker and Thomas du Toit — who is set to join the Sharks from Bath this summer — completing the trio. Behind them, seasoned veterans Eben Etzebeth, captain Siya Kolisi, and Pieter-Steph du Toit bring a wealth of international experience to an already imposing pack.
Milestone Caps for Kolbe and Willemse
The match will also mark a significant personal milestone, as both Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse are set to earn their 50th international caps as part of the starting lineup — a testament to their enduring excellence at Test level.
Erasmus Balances Experience with Youth
Speaking on his team selection, coach Erasmus acknowledged the quality of the opposition while outlining his strategic thinking.
"England are a quality outfit, and we are expecting them to give everything they have in this match, so it was important to select a squad with experience combined with a few younger players, who have proved that they have what it takes to perform at this level," Erasmus said.
The Springboks warmed up for this fixture with a commanding 80-31 victory over a Barbarians side on 20 June, demonstrating their readiness and depth heading into a stiffer challenge.
Bench Strategy Raises Eyebrows
While Erasmus has traditionally experimented with carrying as many as seven specialist forwards on the bench, this time around he has opted for a more conventional split, naming five forward replacements. Notably, former Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen has previously been deployed as a flanker from the bench, underscoring the versatility within the squad.
England's team announcement is expected later in the week as both nations prepare for what promises to be an unmissable Test match.
Full South Africa Squad
Starting XV: Willemse; Kolbe, Kriel, De Allende, Arendse; Libbok, Williams; Nche, Marx, T du Toit, Etzebeth, Nortje, Kolisi, P-S du Toit, Wiese
Replacements: Wessels, Steenekamp, Porthen, Van Staden, Hanekom, Reinach, Esterhuizen, Moodie
