Newly capped Springbok Manie Libbok is confident he can cover up to three positions when the world champions clash with Italy in Genoa on Saturday.
Libbok, who made his Test debut off the bench in a defeat to France last week, is one of two backline replacements selected by Jacques Nienaber to face the Azzurri.
The 25-year-old playmaker has shot the lights as the first-choice flyhalf for the DHL Stormers, but he can also cover fullback and outside centre.
Speaking at a Bok media conference from Italy on Wednesday, Libbok told reporters that he’s happy to play anywhere if it benefits the team.
“I can cover fullback and outside centre and wherever the team will need me is where I’m going to play,” he said.
“It’ll be a great honour to wear the jersey and it’ll always remain a special moment to put it on. I’ll take on the roles with everything I have.”
The Humansdorp-born pivot became the 920th Springbok when took the field last week and relished the opportunity to play in the green and gold.
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“I almost slept in my jersey, but on the Friday before the game, I made a point of taking time out to just have a good look at my jersey and just realising the magnitude of what it means,” Libbok said.
“It’s one of the biggest moments of my life so far. I’m grateful and honoured that I was able to go onto the field. The moment was a dream come true for me. I’m grateful and honoured that I received the opportunity.
“It was a special moment for me and something I dreamt of when I was a kid. If I had the ball, I would have run from the kick-off.
“I was very emotional and excited at the same time.”
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Will the Boks bring the high-flying Azzurri back to earth when they clash on Saturday? @mark_keohane and Zels offer their picks ahead of the clash. pic.twitter.com/L0sDAnDI8y
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) November 17, 2022
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
