Boks to bench the 7-1 split due to availability of Pollard and Libbok?

The Springboks may have to bench the controversial 7-1 forwards to backs split among the replacements over the rest of the Rugby World Cup in France due to the form of flyhalves Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok.

The 7-1 split, which the Boks employed in their warm-up win over the All Blacks and in their pool loss against Ireland, allows for only one backline sub, while loose forward Kwagga Smith has been considered an emergency backline option if the need arises.

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In both the All Blacks game and the Ireland match the sole backline sub on the bench was scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, who is also able to cover wing.

Triumphant return

But with Pollard making a triumphant return to the Bok starting line-up in their win over Tonga this past weekend and Libbok’s impressive overall form, including off the bench on Sunday, it may be worth having both players in the match-23 going forward.

“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. Handre made four kicks and Manie three kicks so we kicked seven out of seven (against Tonga),” explained Erasmus.

“It’s a tough call we will have to make. If we go five-three (split), maybe both can be in the mix. If we go six-two it’s (still) a possibility, but if we go seven-one then things might look a little different.

“Internally, we will only announce the team (if the Boks make the quarterfinals) on Sunday, and then as quick as we can in the Test match week.

“On Saturday, after the Scotland v Ireland game we will know exactly who we will play. If we are in first place we play the following Saturday, if second we play the next Sunday so we will have a seven day turnaround.”

Shot clock management

The most pleasing aspect of the win over Tonga was the Boks’ goal-kicking; they managed to slot all of their kicks at goal after struggling previously.

Libbok, in particular looked good, as he did in the match against the All Blacks at Twickenham, as he nailed all three of his conversions, with two of them from tricky angles.

Erasmus was asked if the coaches had been working on Libbok’s shot clock management, with him often taking almost the full amount of allotted time to kick the ball.

“I won’t take any credit with that. If somebody helped him it would be ‘Stokke’ (Mzwandile Stick, assistant coach). We know it’s a nice talking point and (kicking) wins games. Yes, it’s true,” said Erasmus.

“But tries also win games and the way we play is to try and score tries. I really think we have been attacking much better, like the country has asked us to do and the supporters are always wanting us to be more creative and not just have this kicking game.

“Manie brings that to us. He certainly has worked hard with Handre and maybe it’s Handre who gave him a tip or two. I don’t think the shot clock was ever an issue with him and Manie is a very interesting character when it comes to something like that.

“It doesn’t bother him for the rest of his game and that is something special to have. It would be nice to have him on the park for that general play and if he is on song and fantastic with his kicking, but somebody else who can back him up if he does have a bad day.”