Manie Libbok starts ahead of Handre Pollard in the Springbok halfback combination chosen by SARugbymag.co.za readers to tackle Argentina in Santiago on Saturday.
Libbok, who went to the 2023 World Cup as South Africa’s only specialist flyhalf, has started one Test this year, against Portugal in Bloemfontein in July, and he had a 10-minute cameo off the bench against the Wallabies in Perth.
According to a SARugbymag.co.za poll on the Bok halfbacks, the DHL Stormers playmaker is the favourite to start when the Springboks look to seal the 2024 Rugby Championship title with a win against Argentina in Santiago, Libbok receiving 25% of the vote.
This is narrowly ahead of Pollard, the only other flyhalf in the squad, who got 24% of votes. Pollard has started three Tests this year, most recently against the All Blacks in Cape Town, while he donned the No 10 jersey in both mid-year Tests against Ireland.
According to readers, Libbok must be partnered with Cobus Reinach, who is the favourite to start at scrumhalf with 23% of the vote, ahead of Jaden Hendrikse (20%) and Morne van den Berg (8%).
Photo: @Springboks/X