Handre Pollard or Manie Libbok? Springbok greats weigh in on flyhalf debate

Former Springbok flyhalf Butch James feels for Manie Libbok after his struggles off the tee at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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James also weighed in on the return of Handre Pollard.

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James, who was the starting flyhalf during the Springboks’ victorious 2007 World Cup campaign in France, sympathised with Libbok who has come in for criticism from fans for his kicking at poles.

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However, he believes that Libbok is responsible for running the best Springbok attack of the last decade.

“There has been a lot of talk on Manie’s kicking in the press conferences,” James said on the latest Boks Office podcast following the defeat to Ireland.

“It is really hard to put it out of your mind, the only thing you can do is go to the practice field and go through your routine that you’re going to do on the field and make sure you put the hours in. So when you do go on the field it is almost second nature.

“I thought he has been outstanding [in his role as flyhalf]. I really believe our attack is the best it has been in the last 10 years.

“I can’t remember the Springboks attacking so nicely. I really don’t recall it being so good. We have got the muscle, we are a physical team, but we do have a bit of flair now as well.”

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Meanwhile, fellow 2007 World Cup winner and former Springbok skipper Jean de Villiers agreed with James and highlighted that he wasn’t the only player who missed shots at goal.

“When he misses kicks, it doesn’t affect his game, which is a positive,” the former centre said.

“As we have been saying, I think the strategy needs to change a little bit, and that will take the pressure off whoever kicks at goal. Remember Faf [de Klerk] also missed.”

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