Libbok giving Bok coaches food for thought

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The Springboks have to use the upcoming European tour to develop a third out-and-out flyhalf and Manie Libbok should be at the top of the list of domestic playmakers, writes DYLAN JACK.

Even before the 2022 Test season got under way, the Springboks were in a perilous position with regard to their playmakers.

Handre Pollard had spent most of last season either injured or playing at outside centre for former club Montpellier.

Second-in-command Elton Jantjies suffered a shoulder injury while playing in Japan and went into the home series against Wales with less than 40 minutes of game time under his belt.

This situation has been exacerbated over the past few months. Pollard’s form has continued to fluctuate and his troubles with his knee have kept him out since the loss against Australia in Sydney. He briefly returned to make his debut for Leicester Tigers, but limped off after 27 minutes of action.

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Jantjies, meanwhile, endured a nightmare 40 minutes in the Wales series opener at Loftus Versfeld and played only once more off the bench in the Rugby Championship before he was sent home due to disciplinary issues. There is still no answer from the Springboks over his future involvement with the team.

Sure, Damian Willemse has provided a ray of light with assured performances against Australia and Argentina, but it would be unfair to expect him alone to carry the load during a tour that includes Tests against France and Ireland, especially since he is also expected to play at fullback.

If the Springboks are in a situation where they are starting Frans Steyn in the No 10 jersey in a must-win game, it’s quite clear that they need another option and that should not be a utility back.

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Manie Libbok is forcing his way into the conversation, continuing his excellent form for the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

There were signs of Libbok’s renewal last season. A moment that immediately comes to mind was his match-winning conversion in the URC semi-final against Ulster.

That has continued through to this season. In his latest performance against Edinburgh, he had a perfect day off the kicking tee, which included a 40-metre penalty in the second half. With a sidestep and swerve, Libbok set up the bonus-point try in the final play of the match.

There was also a moment where, during a stoppage in the match, he reminded hotshot No 8 Evan Roos to keep calm and ignore the off-the-ball stuff, illustrating his growth as a leader in the Stormers’ dressing room.

It was a good game to perform in, with Rassie Erasmus watching on in the crowd.

“He’s a real general in the team now,” Stormers head coach John Dobson said following the opening-round win over Connacht in Stellenbosch. “He looked very assured. I am very happy with him.”

A player who once had a reputation, fairly or unfairly, for wilting under the pressure of big games, Libbok has blossomed into a match-winner for the Stormers and on current form is the best of the bunch of local flyhalves.

It’s worth noting that the Springboks are trying to evolve their attack, more often playing Willemse and Willie le Roux together for a better ball-in-hand approach when the opportunities and space are there to attack. Playing alongside Willemse in a new 15-10 combination, Libbok should be more at home in a Bok jersey than he would have been before 2019.

The Springboks have too many questions hanging over their current crop of flyhalves to be comfortable going into the 2023 World Cup. The end-of-year tour is a golden opportunity to develop another option in the position. With over 40 players set to travel, Libbok has to be on the plane to Europe.

Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

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Dylan Jack