By Andy Capostagno
The only match that need concern them is Ireland against Scotland and in the extremely unlikely scenario that the result conspires to eject the Boks, they can relax, safe in the knowledge that there is absolutely nothing they can do about it.
Having finished pool play a week earlier than most, the Boks have been able to celebrate both the return of Lukhanyo Am and a blemish-free 50 minutes from Handre Pollard against Tonga.
Taken together, these events have helped them return to poll position as the knockout stages approach.
The absence of both Pollard and Am when the tournament started seemed to be a body blow that the defending champions might not recover from.
But Jesse Kriel stepped into the breach at outside centre, where he is now playing the best rugby of his test career, whilst running the defensive system in a manner not seen since the retirement of Jacque Fourie.
Similarly, with Pollard unavailable, Manie Libbok raised his game, and a series of attacking displays from the flyhalf, both before and during the World Cup, convinced a doubters that there was a place for the Stormers man at the highest level.
Pollard’s play against Tonga has not diminished Libbok, it has merely added more stings to the Springbok bow.
From here on in Pollard will be the starting flyhalf, bringing his gunslinger attitude to the role of establishing scoreboard pressure.
Coming off the bench, Libbok will be asked to carve up tired defences with his excellent distribution skills, eye for a gap, and pinpoint line kicking. He has the ability to be the backline equivalent of the bomb squad.
Of course, there will be times when changing personnel is not as simple as looking at time elapsed on the stadium clock.
In a tight game, Pollard’s calming presence is priceless and Libbok’s more carefree approach will have to be kept on ice. But, just like the Boks’ relaxing weekend off, it’s a wonderful option to have up your sleeve.
Pictured above: Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard
