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Rassie admits Boks face Pollard, Libbok selection poser: Will they pick both in match-day 23?

In Toulon

SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus admitted the kicking excellence of Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok's ebullient match-play will pose a significant selection poser should the Boks reach the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

Pollard started last Sunday's 49-18 win against Tonga in Marseille in what was his first Test in 13 months, while Libbok has been an ever-present figure since his debut against France last year.

Pollard provided the kicking solidity when he goaled all four of the conversions in the 50 minutes he played against Tonga.

Libbok, whose goalkicking has been a topic of constant debate, also didn't miss from tee with three from three.

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Different skills and competencies will be required from them in the event they make the quarter-finals where goalkicking will matter.

The inclusion of the two in the match-day 23 will definitely have an impact on the Boks' bench split, which is often set at six forwards and two backs for big games, and five/three for smaller Tests.

In the Ireland Test the Boks lost 13-8 in Paris on 23 September, the Boks outrageously went for the seven/one split.

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Erasmus admitted they've got a slight selection headache they need to navigate carefully should they make the playoffs.

"Unfortunately for Handre, it's only the one game he has played. Manie had proved himself the way he has played in general play for us," Erasmus said.

READ | How Pollard, Libbok discourse went from either/or to both - and how to use them going forward

"Handre made four kicks and Manie three, so we kicked seven out of seven.

Read more on news24.com