VIDEO: Springbok coach's sage message to misfiring Manie
South African coach Jacques Nienaber is unconcerned with the declining goal-kicking standards of flyhalf Manie Libbok, just weeks out from the start of their World Cup title defence.
Libbok, who has made eight Test appearances since his Springbok debut against France at Stade Vélodrome, in Marseilles, last November, had another shocking day off the kicking-T at the weekend.
He missed with two of his seven conversion attempts and failed with both his penalty kicks at goal, as the Boks brushed aside a second-string Welsh side 52-16 in their World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff.
The decline in Libbok’s goalkicking – at an already low 75 percent earlier in the international season – has been alarming.
His 56 percent success rate in the last two Tests – which include the 24-13 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires a fortnight ago – has raised alarm bells for most pundits.
The question was again raised after the Boks ran in eight tries against an injury-hit Wales during a display featuring sharp interplay by their backs and the forward strength that has long been a hallmark of the South African game.
Nienaber initially seemed confused by the question, asking if Libbok was really bad.
Once he realised his starting flyhalf – and only specialist No.10 – is barely above 50 percent with his kicks at goal for the last two Tests, the coach seemed insouciant.
The debonair team boss made it clear he is backing the 26-year-old playmaker.
(WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber responds to questions around the poor kicking performance of flyhalf Manie Libbok in the last two Tests….)
“[He must just] fire shots, keep on going,” Nienaber told a post-match media briefing.
“That’s it. Simple as.”
Earlier this year Nienaber revealed that wing Cheslin Kolbe, utility back Damian Willemse and scrumhalf Faf de Klerk are all alternative kicking options – which he might be forced to start looking at sooner rather than later if Libbok’s scratchy form doesn’t improve.
Nienaber, however, admitted his side will have to raise the bar at the World Cup in France.
The Springboks begin the defence of the title they won four years ago against Scotland in Marseille on September 10.
“We have to get better in France,” said Nienaber.
“We are on the side of the draw that makes it a ‘knockout format’ for us from game one.
“Just to get out of the pool we have to be on form.”
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