Libbok at No 10 as Springboks name powerful team for England battle at Ellis Park

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Monday announced his team for this weekend’s Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park.

Erasmus opted for tried and tested combinations, with flanker Siya Kolisi captaining the Boks for the 72nd time in Tests. It’s the first outing between the sides at Ellis Park since 2018, when Kolisi made his debut as captain.

Manie Libbok starts at flyhalf with Grant Williams his halfback partner. There are also milestones for winger Cheslin Kolbe and fullback Damian Willemse, who will celebrate their 50th Test caps.

Kurt-Lee Arendse is on the left wing, while Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel form a familiar midfield partnership.

Flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and No 8 Jasper Wiese complete the loose trio, while Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje are the starting locks.

The front row comprises props Thomas du Toit and Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx at hooker.

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Erasmus opted for a five-three forwards-backs split on the bench, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zach Porthen, Marco van Staden, and Cameron Hanekom serving as “Bomb Squad” forward members.

The backline reserves are Cobus Reinach, Andre Esterhuizen, and Canan Moodie.

“England are a quality outfit, and we are expecting them to give everything they have in this match, so it was important to select a squad with experience combined with a few younger players, who have proved that they have what it takes to perform at this level,” said Erasmus.

“The players have worked very hard at training, and they know what it takes to perform against a side of this calibre with a good coaching team, so we hope they can transfer that effort onto the field on Saturday.

“It was