When Springboks will name team for World Cup final!

The Springboks will meet New Zealand in their second successive Rugby World Cup final in Paris on Saturday, when they will attempt to defend the title they won in Japan in 2019.

LISTEN: Will this audio clear Bok hooker Mbonambi?

The Springboks will return to the training field on Tuesday, while it’s been confirmed that Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber will name his matchday squad to face the All Blacks on Thursday (at 9am).

For the Springboks, the major selection decision will revolve around whether to continue starting Manie Libbok at flyhalf or to consider allowing Handre Pollard to reclaim the No 10 jersey after his stunning cameo this past weekend.

ALSO READ: Nienaber’s last Test as Bok boss: Kolisi hails ‘special’ coach

Following Saturday’s game, the Springbok coaches insisted that the early replacement of Libbok was not an indication they had lost faith in him, but there are questions over how his confidence may be impacted.

Just as notable, though, is the fact that Jacques Nienaber highlighted how the Springboks will need to score plenty of points against New Zealand this Saturday, with Libbok perhaps best suited to this sort of game.

“They [the All Blacks] are in excellent form. If you look at their last few games, [if] you’re not going to get close to 30-35 points, you won’t be in the mix.”

If Libbok does start, then Reinach could be seen as the best halfback partner based on the combination they have formed, although the experience of Faf de Klerk may be preferred.

Meanwhile, there is of course a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Bongi Mbonambi, who is under investigation after being accused of making a racial slur in Saturday’s semi-final.

ALSO READ: What sparked Springboks-England post-match brawl?

HERE IS HOW THE SPRINGBOKS COULD LINE UP:

Springboks – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux.

ALSO READ: Could top Springbok miss World Cup final?

FINAL WORLD CUP GAMES:

Friday, 27 October

Bronze Final – 21:00: Argentina v England – Stade de France

ALSO READ: Weather forecast: What to expect for Springboks v All Blacks final

Saturday, 28 October

Final – 21:00: New Zealand v South Africa – Stade de France

ALSO READ: Springboks v All Blacks: The Rugby World Cup final we DESERVE