Rassie backs Libbok to start for Boks in Rugby Champs decider

Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok has been backed by Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus as Eben Eztbeth makes history ahead of Saturday's title-deciding Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.

The Springboks need only a point from the match to guarantee their first Rugby Championship title since the abbreviated version in 2019 and their first full tournament title since 2009

The odds are in the Springboks' favour as they will also clinch the title if Argentina win the match without a bonus point based on competition points.

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Libbok has been promoted from the bench as he and Jaden Hendrikse are paired as start halfbacks for the first time.

Erasmus praised Libbok for his general play in naming him in the starting lineup.

"Manie's general play is fantastic, and he brings a lot of energy and play-making abilities to the backline. He dictates play well, so we back Manie fully to do the job for us at flyhalf," he said.

"It's not just up to him to find solutions for his goal kicking, it is something we have to do as a team, and we are working on a plan."

In total, Erasmus made nine changes and one positional switch to the staring from last weekend's side, who were stunned 29-28 defeat in Santiago del Estero.

Flanker Siya Kolisi will resume as captain after watching from the coaches box in Argentina last week as he is one of six double Rugby World Cup winners to the starting XV.

The changes meant that Erasmus named the same starting pack that defeated New Zealand 18-12 in Cape Town and the same five forward replacements, while reverting to a five-three split in favour of the forwards on the bench.

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