Going into the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, a very revealing way of looking at Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ mindset will be by the flyhalf he chooses.
And while it has been stated before that the Boks’ cup overflows with talent at the moment, choosing the right flyhalf for the right situation is a key moment for the Boks, especially as they gear up to defend their Rugby Championship title.
Much has been written about the three flyhalves in the Bok arsenal and how they fared in the Incoming Tours, with an injury hampering Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the test against Georgia, while Handre Pollard’s performance in the first test against Italy disappointed before a great cameo in Nelspruit to remind all of his talent.
LIBBOK GAINED THE MOST IN JULY
Probably the player that gained the most in the three tests was Japan-bound Manie Libbok, whose ability to get the Bok backline going has been a key feature, while his kicking surprised with its accuracy in his appearances.
But the Rugby Championship poses a very different challenge for Erasmus and co, and a revitalised Wallabies side will head to South Africa this weekend for the first two tests of the Championship, followed by the big tour of the year and a back-to-back showdown with the All Blacks early in September.
While Feinberg-Mngomezulu was kicking at above 80 per cent in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Libbok’s stats were lower in the 70s.
And while that was the main fan gripe about Libbok - his accuracy when kicking at poles - his performance against Italy in Gqeberha reminded us all that he has the knack of being very accurate as well.
Erasmus was asked last week at the camp’s press conference about his three flyhalves, and how he would decide who to choose.
And the answer is rather simple: Horses for courses.
The Boks analyse the opposition and depending on the threats, and what they feel they can get out of their attacking game, they choose a 10 to marshall that attack.
DIFFERENT STRENGTHS
All three flyhalves have different strengths, and all three have the ability to win games on their given day, so Erasmus has the luxury of choosing one that will suit the way the Boks want to play against the Wallabies.
“I actually think all three of them are above average in every single department,” Erasmus said.
“Each one has his different strengths. I think it will depend on the opposition.”
Erasmus has added that the way the Boks approach the bench may determine who wears the 10 jersey.
And then you can throw in utility back Damian Willemse’s name into the mix, especially as he can play 10, 12, and 15.
“It will depend on whether we go a 6–2 split or 7–1 or 5–3. Probably if you go 6–2, someone like Sacha will work lekker, or Damian Willemse. It will depend on what the plan is on the day.
“We don’t have a first choice currently. If it was now a semifinal or final, it will be this flyhalf. If it is a running open game and we have a 7–1 split, it will be this guy. Then, if we really want to grind it out, it will be that guy.
“We like to think that it doesn't just keep our options open, but it’s harder to analyse. Less predictable.”
Rassie-ball 😬
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 5, 2025
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SCHMIDT WILL LOOK TO BLUNT BOKS ATTACK
And that is the key. The Wallabies have shown in the Lions’ series how they out-thought Andy Farrell in terms of tactics after the first test and Joe Schmidt will be looking at ways of blunting the Boks’ physicality and their attack under Tony Brown.
But having four different options to call on makes that a lot different, as it will change the way the opposition plan for the Boks.
With each 10 having a different skillset, it makes Schmidt’s task a lot tougher, and the Boks are able to try new things as well.
The Bok base game plan isn’t likely to change. They will want to impose their physicality, work off the base of a strong set-piece and try and unlock their X-factor backline players and the Wallabies will know this.
But who they choose at 10 will determine a lot in the eyes of the opposition, and in the marker the Boks want to put down for their Rugby Championship defence.
All eyes on The Rugby Championship 📈
— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 5, 2025
NEXT MATCH
🆚 Springboks
🗓️ Sunday August 17 | 1:10am AEST
🏟️ Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
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