Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok
Image: X /@sport_wordsmith
Springboks: The Pollard-Libbok bromance is growing stronger
The relationship between flyhalves Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok makes a mockery of the raging debate among fans over who should be the Springboks’ starting playmaker.
Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok
Image: X /@sport_wordsmith
Handre Pollard has lauded his Springboks teammate Manie Libbok’s role in the their Rugby World Cup title defence campaign so far at the tournament taking place in France.
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THE FLYHALF DEBATE IS UNNECESSARY AND UNCALLED FOR
When Pollard missed out on initial selection in the Springboks’ 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Libbok’s inclusion automatically made him South Africa’s first-choice flyhalf.
However, Libbok’s inconsistent form off the kicking tee coincided with Pollard’s return to the World Cup squad (he replaced the injured Malcolm Marx), and it caused a lot of tension between the two individuals’ set of fans.
Pollard missed out on selection against Ireland with Libbok retaining his place in the starting lineup. Two then rotated for the Pool B clash against Tonga, with Pollard in the No 10 shirt and Libbok on the bench. And on Sunday, Libbok start in the quarter-final against France and Pollard played an excellent cameo off the bench again.
Both played their roles to perfection, showcasing that it was never an either/or situation for the Springboks when it came to picking a playmaker, but rather a Libbok AND Pollard one.
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SPRINGBOKS HAVE A BROMANCE GOING
Speaking during a press conference in the lead-up to the Springboks’ semi-final clash against England in Paris, Pollard spoke highly and passionately about his much-derided teammate Libbok.
“I can’t praise Manie enough for the way he has been playing,” Pollard said of his Springboks teammate. “He has been in unbelievable form and he has taken it under the pressure that comes with playing for South Africa.
“He has been handling that so well, it has been really amazing to watch.
“I have known Manie since he was very young and for me, the best thing is that he has not changed one bit from that young guy I met eight years ago. He is a humble guy, works for the team, and works extremely hard.
“I think he brings a beautiful, lovely, dynamic way of playing to the team. It is something we have all embraced and enjoyed as well.”
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