Manie Libbok v Marcus Smith: ‘The Massive contest’
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Saturday’s Champions Cup match between Stormers and Harlequins is going to be an interesting affair.
The historic encounter will see the United Rugby Championship title-holders, the Stormers, face the English Premiership club Harlequins in a European Cup knock-out match in Cape Town for the first time.
Aside from the main contest, there is also the prospect of Springbok Manie Libbok going head-to-head with England Test star Marcus Smith.
Both flyhalves enjoy playing an expensive brand and are valuable play-makers for their respective teams.
“He [Marcus Smith] is a special player,” Stormers flyhalf Libbok said when asked about the potential dual.
“It will be a massive contest and a huge battle – especially for myself but also for him.
“And [I am] obviously looking forward to it.”
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A good performance by the Stormers flyhalf will certainly get the attention of the Springbok management.
However, Libbok remained focused on the game at hand and refused to look too far into the future.
“At the moment all I think about is to perform well for the Stormers,” Libbok said.
“I just want to put my best foot forward each week for the team and whatever happens after that it, happens.
“But my focus is to be at my very best for the Stormers.”
#⃣ICYMI #Watch as @THESTORMERS coach John Dobson unpacks his team’s prospects ahead of their @ChampionsCup Last 16 encounter with @Harlequins #Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌍
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The South African Giant
Another player that has been pinpointed as a major threat to the Stormers is Springbok Andre Ezterhuizen.
The centre has become one of the standout performers since joining the Harlequins from the Sharks in 2020.
Esterhuizen, who is known for his strong carries, will ask loads of questions from the Stormers’ defence.
“We have a lot of respect for Andre,” Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman said.
“Even while playing at the Sharks he was incredible.
“I think the moment the Sharks lost him their game took a while to get going again, so we respect him.
“He is a strong runner and he has a great offload game, but we just have to clear around it and not be too focused on one or two players.
“So we just need to get the player sequence right.”
Snyman revealed that Stormers centre Ruhan Nel is available for selection.
The Stormers team to face Harlequins will be announced on Friday.
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