Particle.news

Erasmus Names Settled Springbok 23 With Libbok at No.10 and Etzebeth Back

Erasmus is using a settled matchday selection to build squad depth through the Nations Championship ahead of the World Cup build-up.

Overview

  • Rassie Erasmus named the matchday 23 on Monday, choosing Manie Libbok to start at fly-half and omitting Handré Pollard from the squad.
  • Eben Etzebeth returns to the starting second row alongside Ruan Nortje after serving a suspension and limited game time.
  • Wings Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse will each win their 50th caps in the back three, reflecting a selection built around experience.
  • The replacements follow a 5-forwards/3-backs split to prioritise forward cover, while Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager were unavailable and Riley Norton was released with an injury.
  • The match is set for Saturday, July 4 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg with a 17:40 local kick-off and is being treated as preparation to strengthen the squad ahead of England, Scotland, Wales tests and next year’s World Cup.