Misfiring Manie Libbok a major concern for Boks

Can misfiring Manie Libbok get his kicking mojo back before the World Cup? That’s the big question worrying South African rugby fans right now. With Handré Pollard still not integrated, the Bokke are relying on Libbok. But his wayward kicking is making us all nervous ahead of the World Cup in France.

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LIBBOK’S WOBBLY KICKING WOES

In the last two Springbok matches against Argentina and Wales, Manie managed just 56% off the tee. Against the Welsh in Cardiff, he fluffed two penalties and three conversions in the 52-16 win. His radar was off against the Pumas too.

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While Manie bossed it otherwise, his flaky goal kicking is stressing us out. With Pollard still on the injury list, coach Jacques Nienaber doesn’t have many other options at flyhalf.

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Nienaber has publicly backed Manie, saying he just needs to keep “firing shots.” But behind the scenes, he’s probably worried Libbok’s loose kicking boots could cost us in tight games at the World Cup.

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COULD OTHER BOKKE STEP UP

The Bokke have other players who can kick – Kolbe, Willemse and De Klerk. But we can’t rely on them as regular kickers. We need Manie to sort out his technique ASAP.

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With Scotland up first at the World Cup, Manie needs to quickly find his kicking form. Points will be scarce against the feisty Scots.

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If Manie keeps fluffing kicks in the remaining warm-up matches, Nienaber may have to drop him for the World Cup. That would be a massive call, but we can’t risk dodgy goal kicking when the Webb Ellis Cup is on the line.

CAN LIBBOK REDISCOVER HIS KICKING MOJO

When he’s in form, Manie can nail 80% of his kicks blindfolded. But his current crisis of confidence is worrying. Nienaber and fans are praying he sorts himself out quickly.

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The Bokke rely on turning pressure into points. Manie’s shaky kicking undermines that and makes games way tighter than they should be.

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With little room for error, Manie’s goal kicking could make or break our World Cup title defence. Let’s hope he finds his rhythm asap! His dodgy boots are stressing the nation out!