Matfield: Manie’s probably the best

Victor Matfield says Manie Libbok is the Springboks’ go-to flyhalf if they want to “open it up” against the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday.

Libbok was thrust into the third Test at FNB Stadium in the ninth minute when fullback Cheslin Kolbe suffered a broken jaw.

Starting flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu shifted to 15 after returning from an early stint in the sin bin, allowing Libbok to continue at 10 as the world champions claimed a 29-24 victory to take a 2-1 series lead into Saturday’s finale in the USA. cat-cross.com

WATCH: How Cheslin broke his jaw

Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast, Matfield said Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who has started all three Tests of the series at flyhalf, is experiencing a more challenging period after an outstanding 2025 Test campaign.

“Sacha has the X factor, he’s going through that second-year syndrome when the first year everything just worked, whereas now he has to work for it.”

Feinberg-Mngomezulu was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on at FNB Stadium, but the former Bok lock was encouraged by his contribution at fullback in the second half.

“He really stepped up, even though he was at 15. Those kicks he had to make and his physicality on defence is unbelievable.”

BIG VIC: Boks just had another gear

But if the Boks want to unleash their attack in Baltimore, Matfield believes Libbok offers something different.

“In Manie we’ve got a 10 that if you want to open it up, I think he’s probably the best,” he said.

“He loves to call for the ball, he loves to get width on attack and we scored both of our tries with him giving those long passes to the outside.”

OPINION: Greatest Rivalry can get even better

Despite that endorsement, Matfield still expects Feinberg-Mngomezulu to remain the Boks’ first-choice flyhalf.

“He just needs to work through this second-year syndrome,” he said. “That always happens because the expectation is so high of him to just go out there and do magic.

“I think he will need to learn how to build pressure and when the opportunity comes, you take it, because he’s got all the skills for that.”

The Springbok team for the fourth Test will be named at 8pm (SA time) on Monday.

EXPLAINED: Why Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry ends in USA

Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images

The post Matfield: Manie’s probably the best appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Riley Norton is among several returning players named in the Stormers’ 29-man squad for Friday’s pre-season clash against the Vodacom Bulls in Paarl.

The former Junior Boks captain was earmarked to make his Springbok debut after an impressive outing against the Barbarians in June. He played all 80 minutes, carried eight times, completed all 11 of his tackles, and won four lineouts.

A hamstring injury ultimately prevented him from making his Test debut against England at Ellis Park.

MORE: Riley set for new Stormers role

Norton, JD Schickerling, Jurie Matthee, Olly Reid, Sazi Sandi and Lukhanyo Vokozela have all recovered from their respective injuries and will get valuable game time at Faure Street Stadium.

The Stormers will also give backs Andre Warner and Lleyton Davids an opportunity as John Dobson’s side steps up its preparations for the new URC season.

The Stormers get their campaign underway with a tough assignment away to Connacht in Galway on 25 September. Dobson believes the clash with the Bulls will provide an important reality check after an intense training camp in Hermanus.

ALSO: Bulls load up on Boks for Paarl trip

“We’ve made some good plans and put in some hard work in training, but there is nothing like match situations against quality opposition to show you where you really stand. We are also using this match to bring a fair number of players back from injury and give them some gametime,” said the Stormers director of rugby.

Stormers squad:
Forwards: Luan Botha, Hacjivah Dayimani, Connor Evans, Neethling Fouche, Herman Lubbe, Louw Nel, Vernon Matongo, Riley Norton, Xola Nyali, Vernon Paulo, Gary Porter, Olly Reid, Sazi Sandi, JD Schickerling, Andre-Hugo Venter, Lukhanyo Vokozela.
Backs: Yaqeen Ahmed, Gino Cupido, Lleyton Davids, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Jurie Matthee, JC Mars, Dylan Miller, Markus Muller, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Jonathan Roche, Wandisile Simelane, Kyle Smith, Andre Warner.

Wouldn’t be pre-season without a Bronco!

Head of Athletic Performance Steph du Toit puts the squad through their paces on camp in Hermanus.#inittogether pic.twitter.com/iADOGwtHLd

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) September 7, 2026

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

The post Riley returns for Stormers refresher appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Thapelo Maseko wasted no time introducing himself to FC Copenhagen supporters, scoring twice as the Danish giants cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory over Odense Boldklub on Sunday.

Maseko wasted little time making his presence felt, finding the back of the net twice as Copenhagen put on a dominant display to secure a convincing victory.

The South African’s goals mark a promising start to his spell with the Danish giants after completing his move from Mamelodi Sundowns.

His performance will come as an early boost as he looks to establish himself as an important figure at the club.

Copenhagen’s commanding result was further underlined by their attacking efficiency, with Maseko playing a key role in a performance that saw them run riot against Odense.

For Maseko, however, the focus will now be on building on this impressive introduction. After opening his account with a two-goal haul, the Bafana star will be eager to maintain his momentum and continue making an impact in Danish football.

The brace also provides an early glimpse of what Copenhagen supporters can expect from the pacey attacker as he begins a new chapter in his career.

WATCH: Thapelo Maseko’s Goals For FC Copenhagen

pic.twitter.com/RangWcZc88

— Footy Videos (@se_vidz) September 7, 2026

The post Maseko Off the Mark with Stunning Copenhagen Double appeared first on SportsClub.