Libbok and Williams set to ignite Springboks’ attack in second Test against Italy

The Springboks have put their disappointing performance against Italy last weekend behind them and are ready to take the second Test on Saturday by the scruff of the neck to seal the two-Test series.

After scoring six tries at Loftus Versfeld in the 42-24 victory, the expectation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (5.10pm start) is that the Springbok attack will again dominate their opponents, but with more precision and craftiness.

The partnership of flyhalf Manie Libbok and Grant Williams will be crucial for this to happen, as they team up for only the third time at international level. But they will lead an exciting attacking backline, with Williams looking to find his form early on as he returns from an injury layoff.

Joining them in the starting line-up is the centre-pairing of André Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie, while Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe man the wings, with veteran Willie le Roux at fullback. Le Roux will play in his 100th Springbok Test match in the Bay.

Libbok said on Wednesday afternoon he is excited to restart his partnership with the nippy Williams. They are like-minded players who consistently aim to catch the defence off-guard, whether through sniping runs, precise passing or strategic kicks into space.

“It will be the third game Grant and I play together, so I’m really looking forward to it, much like I’m excited to have André and Canan with us in the midfield, and Willie at the back,” Libbok said about the backline.

“Canan and André started against England at Twickenham together, and it will be great to have their experience, along with Mapimpi and Willie’s in the backline. The team's mindset is good, and we are really looking forward to the game.

“We’ve been very focused this week and locked in on the task at hand. Italy is definitely going to come hard at us, but I believe both sides will be up for what is going to be a great contest.”

They will not only look to make it a special occasion for Le Roux in his 100th, but also for prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, utility forward Cobus Wiese and utility back Ethan Hooker, who are all set to make their Test debut off the bench. Ntlabakanye played against the Barbarians in the opening match of the season but will now get his full debut.

Le Roux, a double World Cup winner, has been a valuable sounding board for Libbok in the Springbok setup and has been one of the players who has taken the talented flyhalf under his wing since he made his debut ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“Willie is an incredible person, and he’s been helpful since the first time we played and trained together,” Libbok added.

“I’m very excited to be with him on the field on this special occasion. Having played a handful of Tests, I know what a massive achievement this is, and we are all very proud of him.”