Former England flyhalf Andy Goode says Manie Libbok remains the Springboks’ biggest vulnerability heading into Saturday’s Nations Championship clash in Johannesburg.
Rassie Erasmus’ world champions host the English at Ellis Park, and writing for RugbyPass, Goode argues Libbok is just as likely to produce a costly error-strewn display as a match-winning one.
He believes Libbok’s inconsistency in the heat of battle means England must target him directly rather than allow him time and space to dictate tempo.
Goode rates England rival Fin Smith ahead of the Bok World Cup winner, pointing to Smith’s two Premiership titles with the Northampton Saints in three seasons and a British & Irish Lions tour as justification.
KEO: Manie has nothing to prove
“There may be just one position where England look stronger than South Africa on paper,” he writes.
“I don’t think a single member of England’s forward pack would get in the Springboks lineup and, despite Tommy Freeman’s excellent recent form, I’m not sure you can make a case for any of the outside backs but you’d take Fin Smith over Manie Libbok.
“Libbok was the name on everyone’s lips a few years ago and he might have another inspired day that reminds everyone exactly what he can do, but he is just as likely to put in a performance where a few errors creep in and England have to put him under pressure.”
ALSO: Stokke excited for Giant surprise
Goode is more critical of other England selection calls, notably that the exciting Henry Pollock should have started to disrupt South Africa’s settled back row of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.
The 46-year-old also suggests the Bomb Squad carries less intimidation than in previous years but remains a considerable threat.
Goode says England’s underdog status could work in their favour if they commit to an attacking game plan built around Smith, yet still predicts a 15-point victory for the Boks.
FULL COLUMN
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
The post Why Goode wouldn’t pick Libbok appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former England flyhalf Andy Goode says Manie Libbok remains the Springboks’ biggest vulnerability heading into Saturday’s Nations Championship clash in Johannesburg.
The post Why Goode wouldn’t pick Libbok appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
