'We've picked Manie to do what he does best' says Nienaber on Libbok's impending debut

In Marseille

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said they've empowered Manie Libbok to do what he does best should get on the field for Saturday's Test against France at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

Libbok, the Stormers pivot who played an instrumental role in his franchise's United Rugby Championship title success last season, will be the 920th Springbok should he come on the field.

He has been named on the bench as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has reverted to a five/three forward/back split for what will be the first Test against France in four years.

Nienaber said Libbok has been around their systems long enough to be ready for Test rugby and that he's earned his shot.

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"If you look at the flyhalves that played in the URC, even Gianni Lombard, Chris Smith and Sacha Mngomezulu, they have URC experience, but not international experience," Nienaber said.

"That's where we are now and that's where the importance of the South Africa A team comes in with Mzwandile Stick.

"The nice thing about Manie is that he's been with us for three weeks, has been running in the training sessions and he's comfortable now.

"He's getting used to the language and what we do in certain areas of the field. We're confident that if he does get an opportunity, he won’t have to think about what is happening here and can play his natural game.

"What the team needs from him is to do what Manie does best with his specific skill set, so we hope things can pan out in a way that we can give him some time on the field."

Nienaber also shuffled his backs with Makazole Mapimpi dropping down to the bench and Willie le Roux starting at 15.

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