John Dobson jumps to defence of Manie Libbok

Coach John Dobson has defended flyhalf Manie Libbok following the Stormers’ defeat to Munster in the thrilling United Rugby Championship (UFC) final last weekend.

ALSO READ | Springboks in 2023: NINE new faces vying for World Cup spots

The hosts were in the lead at 14-12 when a period of helter-skelter play saw Libbok’s clearance kick charged down, eventually resulting in a try that won Munster the match.

Following the final whistle, the star No 10 has copped criticism from all quarters.

MUST READ | Sharks snap up Springbok front rower

But Dobson isn’t having any of it.

‘Manie Libbok had a solid game all-round‘

“I thought Manie’s general game and option taking was good,” he said, as per rugby365.com.

“We didn’t do the right thing off the scrum that led up to the moment you are referring to and that wasn’t Manie’s call either.

“Manie had a solid game all-round. Munster deserved to win and played well. In the first half when we came hard off the line and Munster got the bridge passes over to the wings, our guys couldn’t turn and get back and we were just slipping.

“I don’t want to use that as an excuse but I am just trying to explain it in the context of Manie.

“That wasn’t Manie’s perfect conditions and also Munster did very well in the way they defended against him.”

REVEALED: When the Boks’ World Cup squad will be named

Dobson added that he doesn’t check social media, which for the most part, is reactive.

“I don’t look at social media because it is so emotional,” said Dobson.

“We lost that game because Munster played really well in the first half and they showed enormous character on defence in the second half.”

ALSO READ: Springbok wing posts cryptic message: A break from being judged!