Bok coach beams over Libbok's presence in squad: 'Really close' to starting role

In Genoa

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said flyhalf Manie Libbok has quietly worked his way up to a point where's next on the starting list in the event of an injury.

Libbok made his Test debut off the bench in last week's 30-26 loss against France in Marseille and has again been named as a substitute for Saturday's Test against Italy in Genoa.

Libbok, whose career started to have journeyman vibes when he battled to settle with the Bulls and the Sharks, established himself as the Stormers' No 1 pivot.

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He played a crucial role in the Stormers' fairy tale United Rugby Championship run that was highlighted by his clutch conversion in the semi-final against Ulster.

Nienaber said Libbok's development has been well-tracked by Bok management and it's starting to reap the requisite rewards.

"He's one injury away, and if you think about it, he's our backup flyhalf currently, so I guess he's really close," Nienaber said.

"The reason why we selected him was the fact that he trained well. It's now the fourth or fifth week that he's been with us.

"He's comfortable in the system and he's growing within our environment. He's slotting in nicely."

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok

Because the Boks ended the French Test on the back foot, Libbok wasn't required to take a kick