No Manie, no party: Springbok squad for second NZ Test slammed
· The South African
Manie Libbok will miss the second Test against New Zealand on Saturday, 29 August as the Springboks aim to rebound from a humbling 33-16 loss in the first match of the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour.
South Africans have blasted the decision to drop the dynamic flyhalf for this weekend’s match.
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Many supporters believe his vision would have be crucial against a confident All Blacks side.
However, coach Rassie Erasmus has backed the experience of Handre Pollard at 10 and also named Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on the bench.
Manie Libbok dropped for second All Blacks Test
SA Rugby dropped the team sheet earlier on Monday for the crucial clash at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town this weekend.
The comments section was quick to question Libbok’s exclusion.
Online criticism of the South African squad touched on the flyhalf’s abilities as a genuine playmaker.
The Springboks were sorely missing that edge in the first Test and mistakes were punished by the All Blacks.
Springbok fans were harsh about Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s shaky performance at Ellis Park and seem convinced that New Zealand are set to go 2-0 up in the series.
On Instagram, Bianca (@biancakj90) said: “Would rather have Manie on the bench tbh! Better at setting up the game than Sacha.”
Tamrin Petersen (@petersentamrin) reacted: “No Manie?? But Sacha??”
Springboks face major challenge in Cape Town
Ahead of the crucial match in Cape Town on Saturday, some Springbok supporters argued against criticism of the team, instead backing Erasmus and his world champion mentality.
Other comments centred on when scrumhalf Embrose Papier would receive another shot.
The potential absence of Siya Kolisi and the sidelining of Cheslin Kolbe is also looming over the team.
New Zealand have already reclaimed the No 1-spot in the latest World Rugby rankings, and South Africa are already facing a major task to bounce back on Saturday.
Speaking about the matchday squad, Erasmus stated: “The changes we made are in line with what we want to achieve on the field this week, and it is valuable that almost all of the players have been involved in the last two games, so they will be able to cope with the intensity and physicality of this match.”
The second match of the South Africa vs New Zealand series will kick off at 17:10 on Saturday.
Will the Springboks bounce back or will the All Blacks go 2-0 up?
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