Eben Etzebeth, the lock, is poised to make history as the South African with the most international caps in the Rugby Championship’s critical match against Argentina in Nelspruit this Saturday. This will be Etzebeth’s 128th Test striding ahead of previous record-holder Victor Matfield. The Springboks will feature out-half Manie Libbok, receiving a unique opportunity to start. South Africa aims to secure their much-needed point to win the southern hemisphere championship for the fifth time.
The Springboks could’ve already clinched the championship, if only Libbok hadn’t missed a last-minute penalty kick in their heart-breaking 29-28 last weekend’s loss in Argentina. This puts the Argentinian team five points behind the Springboks in the championship’s ranking. To win their first Rugby Championship, Argentina must not only defeat South Africa but also score a bonus-point try and prevent South Africa from scoring any points.
To boost South Africa’s chances, coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled his seasoned players for this weekend’s clash, replacing ten players from the last match. The line-up includes Cheslin Kolbe on the wing, Damian de Allende as the inside centre, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi in the back row, Etzebeth in the second row, Frans Malherbe as prop and Bongi Mbonambi as the hooker.
Erasmus paid tribute to Etzebeth’s potential record, “As a former Springbok player, I can vouch for the sheer magnitude of Eben’s achievement in becoming the most capped Springbok of all time. We aim to make this a special and memorable moment for him.” He further added that a title win would indeed be a momentous occasion for the team and for Eben personally.
Despite Libbok’s previous unfortunate missed penalty kick, he’s been granted the number 10 jersey. Meanwhile, one of the three reserves includes Handre Pollard as a back along with scrum half Cobus Reinach and centre Lukhanyo Am.
Erasmus has full confidence in Manie’s capabilities as his gameplay is exceptional and energised, besides he also brings a playmaking edge to the backline. He believes Manie has good control over the game as a flyhalf and endorses him wholeheartedly for the role. However, Erasmus points out that finding solutions for his goalkicking isn’t his sole responsibility; it’s a team effort and they’re developing a strategy for it.
It’s noteworthy that both Kolbe and the first choice scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse have the skill to kick off the tee as well.
The South African team selected for the match against Argentina includes Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, and Jaden Hendrikse. The forwards are Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje, Siya Kolisi (captain), Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese.
In the list of replacements, we have Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard, and Lukhanyo Am.