The Springboks have an unexpected goal-kicking option that they might utilise against the Wallabies this Saturday.

The Springboks have opted to back Manie Libbok to start at flyhalf against Australia this Saturday at Ellis Park, and he is expected to take on the primary goal-kicking duties.

Although Libbok has endured criticism in the past due to some inconsistent goal-kicking, he has done a lot of work on this aspect of his game.

Interestingly, Rassie Erasmus revealed this week that the new Rhino balls being used by the Springboks were also making a difference to Libbok.

SPRINGBOKS CAREFULLY CONSIDER GOAL-KICKING OPTIONS

If Libbok is replaced, injured or finds himself struggling with his goal-kicking on Saturday, though, it seems that fullback Aphelele Fassi will serve as the back-up option.

“I’ve been practicing my kicking a lot, even before I joined the Springboks this season, and I’m confident with the way things are going,” said Fassi, who has scored seven tries in his 12 Tests to date, including a belter last year against the Wallabies in Perth.

So, when coach Rassie told me that I’ll also be a kicking option, it was a matter of putting my head down and continuing to put in the work.”

Meanwhile, with speculation rife over the last day that the Wallabies may pick James O’Connor at flyhalf for the clash, Fassi said it would not make a difference who they selected.

“It won’t change the way we want to play if they select him because we know what we want to do on the field,” said Fassi. “He’s a good player with a good skillset, and he’s played against us before, so for us it is all about doing things the Springbok way.”