Manie Libbok celebrates after scoring for the Stormers against Connacht in Cape Town last season. Photo: Supplied via Twitter.
Maestro Manie worth his weight in (green) and gold
Calls for Manie Libbok to gain Springbok selection ahead of Elton Jantjies are growing louder after every performance the former produces.
Manie Libbok celebrates after scoring for the Stormers against Connacht in Cape Town last season. Photo: Supplied via Twitter.
Manie Libbok is the talk of the town after his heroics in the Stormers’ semi-final win over Connacht, with many believing he is now destined to play for the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup.
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Has Libbok punched his ticket to the World Cup? No one can say for sure yet. But that is not because he hasn’t put his hand up. He has done absolutely everything right in this continued audition to be considered as Handre Pollard’s Springbok back-up ahead of Elton Jantjies.
On Saturday, Libbok produced one of the all-time great individual performances in the short history of the URC. That might seem like an over-exaggeration to some, but it is exactly what it was.
The 25-year-old playmaker contributed 23 points in the Stormers’ 43-25 in over Connacht, a personally tally that included two magical tries, five conversions and a penalty. Additionally, he marshalled the Stormers’ attack to perfection, poking holes in the opposition’s defence at will.
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LIBBOK GETS HIGH PRAISE FROM AN UNEXPECTED SOURCE
The performance caused a furore on social media, with many rugby supporters calling for his Springbok selection at the expense of the experienced Jantjies.
But one of those who endorsed Libbok’s Springbok bid came as a surprise, with Irishman and Connacht captain Jack Carty waxing lyrical about his opponent.
“I think he’s a phenomenal player, and it would be wrong for him not to be pushing for that South African No 10 jersey,” said Carty during the post-match press conference on Saturday night.
“He’s an incredible player. You never know what he’s going to do. You think he’s going to pass, and then he’ll do a chip over the top. He kicks off both feet and is a brilliant goal-kicker.”
“He’s a joy to watch in terms of his range of skills and how he leads his forwards pack around. Unfortunately for us, he had a good game today.”
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MANIE’S TAKING IT ALL IN HIS STRIDE
The man himself is not letting the outside noise, whether it’s positive or negative, get to him.
Speaking during the Stormers post-game press conference, Libbok said he is just quietly going about his job, hoping his on-field performances do his bidding for him.
“I have my confidence back, but I am keeping my head down and working hard so I can be in the best possible position for the weekend.”
