Rassie on why Manie gets ‘second chance’

Swys de Bruin insists the door remains open for axed Bok, but they first need to address ‘a lot internally’

Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers says he would have included Manie Libbok in the national squad, rather than Elton Jantjies, if he were still in charge.

Libbok replaced Jantjies in the Springbok squad on Tuesday and could now make his debut at flyhalf against the All Blacks in Mbombela on Saturday, following Jantjies’ ongoing personal issues.

De Bruin refused to be drawn into who would start at flyhalf against the world champions, saying it was a decision that would be made by coach Jacques Nienaber and his team.

“It’s a call the coach and the selectors need to make. Elton has been a stalwart for the Springboks and Manie deserves his chance now. We will have to wait and see if he gets the nod. Elton and Manie are different players. Elton has been playing for 10 years in different teams and played a lot of Tests. He is more experienced. But the young guy is talented.

“I’m not sure what is going to happen with Elton now. It will depend on his issues. You just hope he gets them sorted out. He will have to work hard to get back into the squad.

“We need to address a lot of things internally, especially our defence,” De Bruin said.

“The problems are there and Manie can maybe help us address them. We can defend better, turn pressure into points and then we will win games.

“Manie can help us do that with his composure and leadership. He’s also a good defender. He has a great ability to strike a balance between his attacking and defensive games. But it’s a huge step up from club to Test level. We just have to see if he gets the opportunity.

“There is a big difference in experience between Elton and Manie, but the youngster learnt a lot while playing for the Stormers this season.

“I think Elton will be back in the reckoning, but we need to settle our defence first,” De Bruin added.

“There’s no doubt there’s more depth at flyhalf now,” said De Bruin.