Is this the best Springboks 23 for the rest of the Rugby World Cup?

The Springboks hit a fork in the road of their Rugby World Cup defence with a narrow Pool B defeat to Ireland. The goal-kicking of Manie Libbok has come under specific scrutiny with widespread calls for Handre Pollard to replace him.

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Springboks have tough questions to answer

The goal-kicking of Manie Libbok has come into question after his errant performance in Paris against the Irish. The coaching team must now decide whether to shoehorn the returning, fit-again Handre Pollard back into the side at his expense. Pollard is likely to play against Tonga, however, regardless of the decision made on Libbok’s inclusion, but his performance in that encounter could be instructive for the rest of the tournament.

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Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against hosts France looms

The Springboks are likely to make wholesale changes to their side for next Sunday’s meeting with Tonga. If results pan out the way they’re expected to from here on in, the Boks will face France in the last eight. Could this be the matchday 23 to contest the knockout matches?

1. Steven Kitshoff
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Frans Malherbe
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Franco Mostert
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
8. Jasper Wiese
9. Faf de Klerk
10. Manie Libbok
11. Cheslin Kolbe
12. Damian de Allende
13. Canan Moodie
14. Kurt-Lee Arendse
15. Damian Willemse
16. Marco van Staden
17. Ox Nche
18. Trevor Nyakane
19. RG Snyman
20. Jean Kleyn
21. Duane Vermeulen
22. Cobus Reinach
23. Willie le Roux

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What do you think of that matchday 23? Will the technical team cave into public pressure and bring Handre Pollard back into the pivot role, or stick with the flamboyant skills of Libbok? Much of that will depend on Pollard’s fitness and whether he looks match-sharp against Tonga. His goal-kicking in that match will also be a huge focus. There’s also Jesse Kriel’s form to consider. Could Canan Moodie replace him at outside centre?

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Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game of rugby.

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