South Africa’s flanker and captain Siya Kolisi (R) looks on as South Africa’s fly-half Manie Libbok takes a penalty kick during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Scotland at Stade de Marseille in Marseille, southern France on September 10, 2023. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)
VIDEO: Kolisi comes to defence of Libbok over goal-kicking
Take a listen to this incredible answer from Siya Kolisi as he came to the defence of Springbok teammate Manie Libbok.
South Africa’s flanker and captain Siya Kolisi (R) looks on as South Africa’s fly-half Manie Libbok takes a penalty kick during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Scotland at Stade de Marseille in Marseille, southern France on September 10, 2023. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)
On Sunday, Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok produced a super Man of the Match display in general play against Scotland, the highlight of which saw him set up a brilliant try with a no-look cross kick.
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Libbok has certainly risen to the occasion ever since Handre Pollard went down with an injury, but some inconsistency when it comes to his goal-kicking has remained a talking point.
Against Scotland, Libbok missed three kicks at goal, with Faf de Klerk eventually taking over the responsibility in the second half.
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However, the Springboks were in no mood after the match to suggest they have any major concerns about the goal-kicking situation, with coach Jacques Nienaber stating: “It’s not (a concern) if he (Libbok) wins Man of the Match.”
In particular, captain Siya Kolisi elaborated on why the Springboks will continue to back the playmaker.
“This question about missing kicks gets asked a lot, but we play as a team. Sometimes you are not good at one thing on the day, but the way he attacked today and how he took control and how he was a general amongst us. There are other guys who can kick.
“He is not going to be good at everything every single day. We are working as a group.”
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Watch the response to questions about Libbok’s goal-kicking below:
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