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General Libbok backs Springbok pack to unlock England
The Star
|July 03, 2026
SPRINGBOK flyhalf Manie Libbok has no doubts that the battle for dominance against England tomorrow will start up-front.
While he orchestrated an outstanding first-half attacking display a year ago against Australia at Ellis Park, with the Bok backline firing from the outset in a Test that ultimately ended in a heavy defeat, Libbok believes the forwards must first lay the platform for the backs to express themselves this weekend.
It is the opening match of the Nations Championship for both sides, and the highly anticipated clash in Johannesburg (5.40pm kick-off) between the world champions and England is widely viewed as the standout fixture of the weekend.
According to Libbok, the coaches have empowered the players to deliver on Saturday.
“Coach Tony (Brown) has given us a clear gameplan and framework to go out there and execute against England,” Libbok said this week.
This story is from the July 03, 2026 edition of The Star.
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