Manie Libbok deserves to be judged on everything he brings to the Springboks, not the handful of missed kicks that continue to define him for some critics, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says Libbok’s selection ahead of Handré Pollard for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against England is fully justified, arguing he has already proved himself at the highest level.
“Libbok, 28 years old and a World Cup winner, does not have to prove anything to anyone against England,” he writes.
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Keohane highlights Libbok’s impressive Test record, which includes victories over every major rugby nation, as well as standout performances in the Boks’ record wins against the All Blacks at Twickenham before the 2023 World Cup and in Wellington last year.
He also points to Libbok’s productive club rugby campaign in Japan, where working alongside former Wallabies Quade Cooper and Will Genia helped refine his game management while reinforcing the qualities that have long made him one of rugby’s most dangerous playmakers.
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“Libbok gets a raw deal in South Africa,” Keohane writes.
He argues the criticism aimed at the flyhalf is disproportionate given how often he influences Springbok victories, adding that coach Rassie Erasmus and attack coach Tony Brown clearly value his ability to unlock defences.
For Keohane, the Springboks are fortunate to have Libbok, Pollard and the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu competing for the No 10 jersey.
Against England, Libbok’s job is not to silence critics – it is simply to play his game.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Manie has nothing to prove appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Manie Libbok deserves to be judged on everything he brings to the Springboks, not the handful of missed kicks that continue to define him for some critics, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The post Manie has nothing to prove appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
