South Africa’s wing Kurt-Lee Arendse (R) celebrates with flyhalf Manie Libbok. Photo by WIKUS DE WET / AFP)
Rain predicted in Paris: Libbok to still start the Rugby World Cup final?
Handre Pollard produced a virtuoso display off the bench for the Springboks vs England, but here’s why Manie Libbok must start the final.
South Africa’s wing Kurt-Lee Arendse (R) celebrates with flyhalf Manie Libbok. Photo by WIKUS DE WET / AFP)
Springboks flyhalf Manie Libbok was substituted early in their Rugby World Cup semi-final against England because he couldn’t thrive in the rainy conditions. However, he should start the final even if the conditions are the same.
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LIBBOK MUST START THE RUGBY WORLD FINAL REGARDLESS OF POLLARD’S HEROICS AND WEATHER
I’m no meteorologist, so there’s no way of telling what the weather will be doing in Paris next Saturday. However, if it’s a dry evening then Manie Libbok can thrive with his flair, tactical kicking and playmaking ability. Against England with a greasy ball Libbok simply couldn’t operate at his optimal level. It just wasn’t his type of game. In a contest against the All Blacks, who will play a more expansive game, he might feel more at home. There’s rain predicted for Paris on Saturday night but there’s reason to believe we can expect a very different game here than the one against the English.
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There’s also a massive case for Pollard starting that final. Of course, there is. Just look what he produced last night, and what he managed four years ago in Japan. He showed his priceless value off the bench against England, scoring exactly half of South Africa’s 16 points, including a gobsmackingly cool penalty from around 50 metres to ultimately win the game.
In 2019, the ice-cold Pollard kicked 22 of South Africa’s 32 points against England in Yokohama, including six out of eight penalties and two conversions from two attempts. This man really does have what it takes on the grandest occasions. What we’ve also seen is that Springbok management isn’t shy to make tough calls for the good of the team. If Libbok starts the final, Pollard is an absolutely sensational get-out-of-jail-free card.
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There were times when the players looked a little leggy against England, which makes sense considering the same XV also started against France. Can Bongi Mbonambi play a third knockout game on the trot or must changes be made? The Libbok/Pollard conundrum is a headache for Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus, but it’s a wonderful problem to have.
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