Manie Libbok is in the running to make his first Test start in the Rugby Championship opener against Australia after the Springboks revealed injury concerns around Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse.

Libbok, who made his Test debut as a substitute last November and scored 10 points off the bench against Italy, is one of three flyhalves in the 40-player squad for the Rugby Championship.

MORE: Kolisi back for World Cup

Rassie Erasmus revealed that there was a concern at flyhalf following a delay in Pollard’s recovery from a leg injury, while Willemse took a knock to the knee.

This could open the door for Libbok to wear the Springbok No 10 jersey for the first time, when South Africa open their truncated Rugby Championship campaign against Australia on 8 July at Loftus Versfeld.

“Handre has a calf (injury) again and it could take a bit longer for him to be back than we had hoped,” said Erasmus.

“He’ll definitely be fine for the World Cup, but we’ll have to monitor his progress to determine exactly when he will be able to play. This means that out of three flyhalves, Manie is the only fit one.”

Erasmus added that Elton Jantjies was an option as flyhalf cover depending on the speed of Pollard and Willemse’s recovery.

Jantjies was not included in the squad after experiencing a turbulent 2022 season, but is coming off a solid season for Agen in France’s PRO D2.

“A guy like Elton is playing good rugby at the moment, and we’ll consider him,” said Erasmus. “For now, our team doctor will keep a close eye on the other flyhalves and their recovery.”

Photo: Luca Sighinolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix