Former Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia believes Manie Libbok has returned from Japan as a more confident leader.
Libbok is expected to wear the No 10 jersey when the Springboks open their Nations Championship campaign against England at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Having worked closely with Libbok at Japanese club the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, where he serves as skills coach, Genia says the 28-year-old embraced the responsibility of leading the team.
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“He has learned to become a strong voice on the field,” Genia told Rapport. “Manie is a quiet person. He’s a wonderful human being and, in Japan, he carried a lot of responsibility because he was our marquee player.”
Genia believes that experience will benefit Libbok as he returns to the Springbok setup.
“I believe it will improve his game going forward.”
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The former Wallabies star said there was little he could teach a player with Libbok’s natural ability, but praised the flyhalf’s willingness to improve.
“When players reach a certain level, there isn’t much you can teach them in terms of skills, especially someone like Manie, whose skills are world class,” said Genia.
“His ability to kick off both feet, his work rate, his attacking game and the way he creates opportunities for the players around him are world class.
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“I’d like to see him become even more of a running threat with ball in hand. He doesn’t only have to distribute. That will build his confidence and allow him to become a senior voice driving the team at flyhalf.
“He’ll be incredible.”
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
The post Genia lifts lid on Manie’s evolution appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia believes Manie Libbok has returned from Japan as a more confident leader.
The post Genia lifts lid on Manie’s evolution appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
