Following a confirmation of the Springboks squad that will take to the field against New Zealand, coach Jacques Nienaber has explained the tactical thinking behind his selection.
South Africa will engage in a tug of war with the All Blacks for the record four-time world cup crown in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Libbok not even on substitution list
The notable absentee from the starting line-up is flyhalf Manie Libbok, who did not even make it on the list of substitutions.
Nienaber thanked all the players who contributed to the team since the start of the tournament, saying he opted to go for a more experienced team.
“This is an experienced team with several players who played in the last Rugby World Cup final [2019], who know exactly what to expect and what it will take to retain the title,” Nienaber told SA rugby media.
“We have said many times that we pick teams for varying game plans depending on the opponent, and that we use all 23 players to try to achieve those goals.
“As a coaching team, we are proud of the contribution that every player in the larger squad made in getting us to the final to create this opportunity.
“We know we are in for a colossal battle. Every point and inch will count in this match, and we know it will take another top-class effort to come out on top on Saturday.”
Drops down pecking order
Libbok was the preferred flyhalf over the experienced Handre Pollard, who returned to the Boks squad as a replacement to injured Malcom Marx after the first pool game.
The skilful 26-year-old did, however, fall down the pecking order as he faced scrutiny for his below-par kicking.
Without taking anything away from Libbok apart from his questionable kicking game, he had a superb tournament that earned him a top-class nomination for the 2023 World Rugby Awards for World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Nienaber and seasoned lock Eben Etzebeth are also nominated for World Rugby Coach of the Year award and World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, respectively.
