Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok says he has perfected kicking with both feet. Photo: Luca Sighinolfi/BackpagePix.
Should Springboks relieve Libbok from goal-kicking pressure?
A case could certainly be made to take the goal-kicking responsibilities away from Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok at the World Cup.
Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok says he has perfected kicking with both feet. Photo: Luca Sighinolfi/BackpagePix.
In the absence of injured Handre Pollard, Stormers star Manie Libbok has shot up the pecking order to now stand as the first-choice Springbok flyhalf heading into the World Cup.
Once again this past weekend, Libbok proved that he is one of the most effective distributors in the game with his ability to fire off bullet passes in either direction, while his ambidexterity to kick with both feet adds a dimension to what he can offer.
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However, his accuracy in front of poles remains an area of some concern after another rather inconsistent goal-kicking display in Cardiff.
If World Cup history is anything to go by, there is no doubt that having a goal kicker with a success rate of more than 80% can often be a massive make or break factor – especially in high pressure matches that can often be decided by small margins.
With Libbok already taking on plenty of responsibility with his starting role at flyhalf despite having played just eight Tests, there is perhaps good reason for the Springbok coaches to consider taking some of that goal-kicking pressure off his shoulders.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that both Faf de Klerk and Cheslin Kolbe could quite capably take on the job of kicking at goal, while Damian Willemse could assume that duty when he comes off the bench.
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Libbok has backing of coaches
The Springboks conclude their World Cup warm-up preparations against New Zealand in London on Friday, and Libbok has retained the Bok No 10 jersey for what will be his first meeting with the All Blacks.
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Yet, if there’s any urgent expectations for Libbok to improve his goal kicking, it’s seemingly not coming from coach Jacques Nienaber: “Was he bad?” the Bok head coach asked after Saturday’s match.
“How many did he miss? Well, it’s just five shots, so he can keep on going.”
*What do you think the Bok coaches should when it comes to the team’s place kicking? Let us know by clicking on the add comment button at the end of this article
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