Manie Libbok will be recalled to run a Springbok backline that features just one debutant in the historic Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Morne van den Berg is set to get his Test debut against Portugal, as Rassie Erasmus plans to name a new-look lineup to grow South Africa’s squad depth.
However, the Lions scrumhalf will reportedly be the only back in the squad to get his first run in the green and gold, with flyhalf Siya Masuku, fullback Quan Horn and centre Ethan Hooker snubbed for the Test.
Erasmus reportedly plans to recall Libbok as the starting flyhalf, after the Stormers star did not get a single minute of game time in the drawn series with Ireland.
With Handre Pollard playing almost the full 80 minutes of both Tests against Ireland, and Jordan Hendrikse starting in the opening Test of the year against Wales, the Springboks will turn to Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to run the show against Portugal.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu played off the bench at flyhalf against Wales and Ireland, while he played most of the second Test against Ireland at fullback after replacing the concussed Willie le Roux early in the first half at Kings Park.
There will still be an experienced spine for the Springboks, with Makazole Mapimpi, Andre Esterhuizen, Lukhanyo Am, Aphelele Fassi and Cobus Reinach all set for a recall, while Edwill van der Merwe could earn his second Test cap after a try-scoring debut against Wales.
In the pack, Vodacom Bulls hooker Johan Grobbelaar could make his long-awaited Test debut after first being called up to the Bok camp in 2021.
Erasmus is reportedly deciding between the uncapped Phepsi Buthelezi and Mpilo Gumede to play at No 8, while Bloemfontein-raised Andre-Hugo Venter and Jan-Hendrik Wessels will both be named on the bench.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Rassie to recall Manie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
