Manie Libbok reveals how Japan refreshed him for Springboks return
SPOTLIGHT: Manie Libbok believes his stint in Japan has given him something he rarely enjoyed during his previous seasons in Europe – the chance to arrive in the Springbok camp physically fresh, mentally recharged and playing with renewed confidence.
After years of juggling the relentless demands of the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, Libbok opted for a change of scenery with the Kintetsu Liners, and the move appears to have paid off.
The 28-year-old returns to the Springboks after finishing as the leading points scorer in Japan Rugby League One Division Two, amassing 165 points in just 14 matches while embracing a more expansive brand of rugby.
More importantly, he says, his body has thanked him for it.
“My body is feeling really good,” Libbok told Rugby365.
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“Mentally and physically, I feel really refreshed. Obviously, there aren’t as many games compared to the URC and Champions Cup.
“The games themselves are tough, but luckily I had some time off between matches and there were fewer games overall. My body is really feeling good.
“I’m refreshed mentally and physically, and I’m just excited. I’m grateful to be back in the Springbok environment and now I’m looking forward to the England Test, which is going to be a big one.”
Japan also allowed Libbok to reconnect with the style of rugby that best suits his instincts.
“It’s more free-flowing and attacking rugby,” he explained.
“But it’s something that I love. That’s how I want to play.
“It was good in that sense, but I also grew other parts of my game, making sure there’s a great balance between when to kick and when to run, taking opportunities when they’re there, and making sure we’re playing in the right areas when we’re under pressure.”
Often regarded as one of the game’s most instinctive attacking flyhalves, Libbok believes his decision-making has matured alongside his natural creativity.
Former Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia witnessed that development first-hand while working with the Liners as the club’s skills coach.
Genia believes the move transformed Libbok into a more authoritative leader.
“He has learned to become a strong voice on the field,” Genia said.
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“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.”
According to Genia, being the team’s focal point forced Libbok to grow beyond simply orchestrating the attack.
“I believe it will improve his game going forward.”
Away from the field, the experience proved equally rewarding.
“It is an awesome experience,” Libbok said.
“And awesome being there with my wife. We really enjoy Japan.
“It’s a different culture and something new for us, but the people are so kind. They made us feel at home from the start, especially the team. They made it easy for us to fit in and we really enjoyed it.”
Looking back, Libbok believes the move delivered exactly what he had hoped for.
“I wanted something new. I wanted something fresh at that time. That is exactly what I got.”
