Manie Libbok has risen from a ‘three-out-of-10’ flyhalf
Stormers coach John Dobson has spoken passionately about the evolution of ‘Pep Stores special’ Manie Libbok.
When last year got under way, no one could have predicted that Manie Libbok would go on to feature in 11 Tests, starting in all but two of them.
In the injury-enforced absence of Handre Pollard, Libbok stepped into the No 10 jersey – and despite his limited experience at international level – he rose to the occasion and enjoyed a quite remarkable season.
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Libbok started four games at the Rugby World Cup, and although there were questions over his goal-kicking, the 26-year-old consistently added a real impact through his playmaking ability.
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STUNNING TURNAROUND FOR MANIE LIBBOK
It ultimately signified a remarkable meteoric rise, with Libbok reaching new heights after joining the Stormers following failed stints at the Bulls and Sharks.
“We went to buy him from Pep Stores,” Dobson joked with Rapport. “Nobody valued him at the time, but I could see he was that X factor. He was then a three-out-of-10, he grew up with us and was probably a six when he went to Boks. He became a star at the Boks.
“When he was dropped at the World Cup in the first half of the semi-final and didn’t make the team for the final, I thought we would have to make up for it afterwards. But I heard he was fantastic in that final week, a stalwart who helped out everywhere.”
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MORE PRAISE FOR MAGIC MANIE
Libbok started in four games at the World Cup, including the quarter-final and semi-final, but when it came to the title decider, Bok coach Jacques Nienaber and his colleagues felt Handre Pollard was the best man for the occasion and conditions.
With the dust having settled since the Springboks’ memorable triumph in France, Pollard has also shared some special praise for Libbok.
“I can’t praise Manie enough for the way he’s playing and handling the pressure,” said Pollard.
“He’s a humble guy and works extremely hard, and he works for the team. He’s got a lovely dynamic way of playing towards us as a team, that’s a lovely thing and something that we’ve all embraced and enjoyed as well. Whatever our roles are for myself or him wherever we play it’s all towards the team and what we can do best for them.”
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