Former Springbok centre and Stormers coach Robbie Fleck believes Manie Libbok should get the nod at flyhalf for Saturday’s opening Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks.
Speaking on the Boks Unpacked X The Verdict podcast with Hanyani Shimange and Jean de Villiers, Fleck and De Villiers gave their views on the backline Rassie Erasmus is likely to select for the Ellis Park clash.
They agreed that Damian Willemse should pip Aphelele Fassi for the No 15 jersey, while Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe were backed to start on the wings.
Fleck and de Villiers were also unanimous in their midfield selection, backing Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, with Grant Williams their preferred scrumhalf.
Fleck, who scored 10 tries in 31 Tests for the Springboks, then gave his verdict on the flyhalf battle.
“I agree with that backline, and I would go with Manie,” Fleck said.
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Libbok wore the No 10 jersey in the Boks’ opening Nations Championship match against England, and made a substitute appearance against Wales.
Handré Pollard started at flyhalf against Scotland at Loftus, winning the Man of the Match award, and came off the bench against Argentina in Buenos Aires for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who made his return from injury.
Fleck also went a step further by predicting how he expects the four-Test series to unfold.
“I think it’s going to be 2-1 … to the Springboks [going to Baltimore],” Fleck said.
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Fleck expects the Boks to narrowly beat the All Blacks at Ellis Park but expects the New Zealanders to have a genuine opportunity to strike back in Cape Town.
“I do think that the All Blacks have got a chance here in Cape Town. They’ve got the support. They don’t fear Cape Town and they enjoy being here,” he said.
Fleck believes the Boks should then have the edge when the series moves back to Gauteng.
“I think it’ll be tough for them to beat us up in the Highveld. So, that’s where I see it.”
Who should wear the Bok No 10 jersey against the All Blacks in the first Test?
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Fleckie backs Manie at 10 appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok centre and Stormers coach Robbie Fleck believes Manie Libbok should get the nod at flyhalf for Saturday’s opening Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks.
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