Hint hint: Libbok to stay at 10, with Pollard as ‘back up’

This past weekend, Handre Pollard return to the No jersey 10 against Tonga, and produced a solid showing in his return to Test rugby. However, he was replaced early in the second half, and Libbok also produced a superb cameo to add more complexity over the debate about who should start in the Springbok No 10 jersey during the playoffs.

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Interestingly, Rassie Erasmus has now backed Libbok to continue making the necessary adjustments to his goalkicking, while also praising his general attacking play.

There were clear hints from the director of rugby that they may want to continue capitalising on Libbok’s strengths in general play, and possibly then to have Pollard on the bench as a ‘back up’ insurance policy of sorts.

“It doesn’t bother him for the rest of his game (if Libbok misses shots at goal) and that is something special to have,” Erasmus commented. “It would be nice to have him on the park for that general play and if he is on song and fantastic with his kicking, but somebody else who can back him up if he does have a bad day.

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“Unfortunately for Handre it’s only the one game he has played,” the Bok boss added. “Manie had proved himself the way he has played in general play for us.

“Handre made four kicks and Manie three kicks so we kicked seven out of seven. It’s a tough call we will have to make. If we go five-three, maybe both can be in the mix. If we go six-two it’s a possibility, if we go seven-one then things might look a little different.

“Internally, we will only announce team (if in quarter-finals) next Sunday, then as quick as we can in the test match week. On Saturday, after the Scotland v Ireland game we will know exactly who we will play. If we are in first place we play the following Saturday, if second we play the next Sunday so we will have a seven day turnaround.”

Updated rankings: Where Springboks stand after Tonga win

Libbok has made adjustments to goalkicking technique

Meanwhile, Libbok has revealed what changes he made before the Tonga game, as well as the influence of Pollard on him.

“Handre is a world-class player. I’ve learned a lot from him, he helped me a lot in terms of the game itself. For me, it’s nice to work with him and learn from the best.

“I [previously] fell off my kicks, that’s why I pulled most of the kicks, I worked on that and I’m just happy that it came off. I kicked the same [against Tonga], I didn’t change anything in terms of speeding up my process.”

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