Bok flyhalf battle: Why it's so competitive
SPOTLIGHT: The battle for the Springbok No.10 jersey is still a hot topic after no player has worn it consistently during the 2025 season.
During the July incoming series against Italy and Georgia, Manie Libbok, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Handré Pollard each earned a start in the No.10 jumper.
That trend continued during the Rugby Championship.
Pollard, who isn’t selected for this weekend’s clash against Argentina, had two starts during the tournament.
Libbok and Feinberg-Mngomezulu each had one, with the latter earning his second this weekend against Argentina at Kings Park.
It has the general rugby public and even pundits questioning who the Boks’ first choice playmaker is, as there is no clear favourite at the moment.
In most cases at franchise and especially Test level, there is one clear first-choice playmaker, but in the case of the Boks, there are none.
Libbok shared some insight on why the competition is so tight for starting positions.
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“Sacha and I feed nicely off each other, and the same with Handré [Pollard] as well,” Libbok told @rugby365com.
“All three of us push each other at training to be better. That brings the best out of all of us.
“I’m just happy to be in this position with both of them and competing against them.
“They’ve helped me to elevate my game and be better each day regarding the training pitch.
“Sacha and I started working together at the Stormers, and it’s always nice to work with him.
“So we learn and feed off each other, and that helps all three of us.”
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Despite the Boks having these three top flyhalves, there are also a few more that are not spoken about at the moment as alternatives.
Damian Willemse is arguably fourth in line in terms of the players in this Rugby Championship squad.
Outside of that, there are the likes of Jordan Hendrikse, who can also step up when called upon.
The Boks arguably have the best flyhalf depth in the world at the moment, and if these players keep on sharpening each other, it will bode well come World Cup 2027.
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Libbok also commented on his role as a bench player.
He spoke about key elements he would like to achieve within a match for the greater good of the team.
He also emphasised that it’s not a clear blueprint, but it depends on the situation of the match.
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“It’s about adapting within the game.
“Obviously, we have plans going into a certain game.
“Personally, it’s about controlling the balance [of the match] and to spare the forwards’ energy to punch and get us forward momentum.
“Especially in the opposition 22 metre area and at set pieces, so my job is to ensure that I don’t overplay my forwards to preserve their energy and be fresh when it comes to set pieces.”
