The Springbok flyhalf, Manie Libbok, is relishing the opportunity to play in Saturday's big Rugby World Cup Pool B fixture against Ireland in Paris.

The young and exciting backline marshal will get to play at the iconic Stade de France for the first time in his career, in what will certainly be his biggest Test to date.

He is expected to run out against the legendary Johnny Sexton, but that will be confirmed once the Irish name their team on Thursday. Libbok said get couldn’t ask for a bigger game to showcase his talent.

“It’s going to be a massive game,” said Libbok.

“It’s the World Cup - it’s the biggest stage in rugby and I’m just grateful to be in a position to go out there on Saturday and represent my country.”

Playing against Sexton is going to be a big challenge for the young pivot and definitely his biggest challenge to date in international rugby. He is too young to have faced the likes of the All Blacks great, Dan Carter, but facing Sexton is as close as he will get to that experience.

“Johnny is a great player and he’s done amazing things for Ireland over the years,” said Libbok when about the Irish legend.

“But for myself, it’s just focusing on myself and my game and preparing to the best of my ability to be ready to go on Saturday.

“I’m just looking forward to the challenge.”

Saturday’s Test in Saint-Denis kicks off at 21:00.

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 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Replacements - 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Jean Kleyn, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Kwagga Smith, 23 Cobus Reinach

Ireland - TBA

Morgan Piek OFM Sport