Libbok sends message to kicking critics amid contest with 'world class' Pollard

Going into the World Cup, there was a question mark over fly-half Manie Libbok’s kicking, and that question has not necessarily been answered as the tournament has progressed.

The 26-year-old looked to have turned a corner against the All Blacks in South Africa’s final match before the World Cup, but the loss to Ireland at the Stade de France opened that wound again. Handre Pollard was drafted into the Springboks’ World Cup squad soon after and could well start against France this Sunday in the quarter-finals due to his superior goal kicking percentage. He is not the best kicker in the world, but many feel he is the more reliable option with the boot than the Stormers No10.

But Libbok does not seem to be paying any attention to the outside chatter surrounding his kicking, rather he is solely focusing on himself and improving.

“I don’t watch what is going on in the media,” he said this week. “I know what criticism is out there when it comes to my kicking but for me I am focusing on myself. I am focusing on getting it right, it is something I have to get right especially at this level where the margins are so small. I am just working hard and trying to get it right.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

24

27

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

20%

Though the 2019 World Cup winning fly-half Pollard is breathing down Libbok’s neck ahead of the France clash, the 12-cap Springbok says it is “awesome” having his “world class” teammate in camp.

He said: “First and foremost it is nice to have Handre back in the camp. Him and I work nicely together, we pick each other up. It’s awesome to work with him. It doesn’t matter who is going to start. If he is going to play, if I am going to play. I know he’ll do a good job, a great job. He is a world class player, he has been there and done that so for me it’s awesome to have him back in the camp. He helps me a lot and we work nicely together.”