Libbok back at out-half as Boks ring changes for England test

Libbok returns to the role he played in South Africa’s last meeting against England in last year’s World Cup semi-final in Paris where he was taken off after 30 minutes, with replacement Handre Pollard going on to secure a win for the team.

Manie Libbok catches the ball watched by Jasper Wiese during a South Africa training session. Pic: David Rogers/Getty Images

South Africa have chosen Manie Libbok at out-half and foregone a forward heavy bench for Saturday’s test against England at Twickenham as they kept only three players from the starting lineup that beat Scotland last weekend.

Prop Ox Nche, hooker Bongi Mbonambi and lock Eben Etzebeth, who captained the side in their 32-15 victory over Scotland, remain from the side that played at Murrayfield last Sunday while coach Rassie Erasmus has gone for a traditional 5-3 split between forwards and backs on the bench.