Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok is eager to deliver a commanding performance when South Africa and Argentina lock horns in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Libbok started for the first time for the Boks in the Rugby Championship opener against Australia, after making three appearances off the bench in his debut Test season last year.
Fielding a team of senior regulars and fringe players, the 26-year-old helped SA put the Wallabies to the sword with a 43-12 win at Loftus Versfeld.
He featured as a substitute in a heavy defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland, and has tweaked his game for another run in the No 10 jersey against Los Pumas.
Speaking in the build-up to this weekend’s clash at Ellis Park, Libbok told reporters: “My debut was off the bench against France last year, and I was very nervous and unsure of myself … I did not know what to expect.
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“This time around, I know the Springbok environment a lot better. I have got to know the coaches, and they have got to know me. I have got to know the players better. It is much easier this time.
“The big thing I have worked on is my kicking. I have improved my kick-pass and my up-and-unders. Kicking for territory or to reclaim the ball is a big part of the Bok game plan, and I wasn’t up to scratch in this department. I wasn’t accurate enough.”
Having had a week to review the loss in New Zealand, the South Africans will look to bounce back when they host Los Pumas.
A formidable loose trio and an inexperienced half-back pairing, @mark_keohane and Zels unpack the Springbok team selection🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Mw3J6n57Mt
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) July 25, 2023
The Boks need maximum points from the match, and for the All Blacks to get nothing from their clash with the Wallabies, in order to win the truncated Rugby Championship.
The world champions have not lost at home to Argentina since that infamous 25-37 defeat in Durban in 2015, which was the South Americans’ first victory over the Boks.
“This Saturday’s game is massive for us. Argentina brings a different challenge,” Libbok said.
“We are working hard not only for the result, but to produce a performance we are proud of. That will take care of the result.”
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