VIDEO: Libbok 'investment' pays BIG dividends for Stormers
Immanuel Libbok arrived in Cape Town after twice being discarded – first by the Bulls and then by the Sharks.
Stormers coach John Dobson often spoke about the need to show ‘faith’ in his mercurial talent – especially in the pivotal position he plays in.
Dobson accepted that Libbok would make mistakes and at times ‘spiral’ out of control.
However, he saw in Libbok the type of player that could unlock the Stormers’ spirit of adventure.
On Saturday, in the empathic 33-21 United Rugby Championship quarterfinal win over the Bulls, Libbok produced a Man of the Match performance.
As he has been all season, he created opportunities for his teammates with some sublime playmaking – resulting in him topping the try-assist stats for the competition.
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He also contributed 18 points – four penalties and three conversions in a flawless kicking display.
Dobson, speaking about the ‘growth’ the 25-year-old has shown since he arrived in Cape Town from the Sharks in 2021, said he has the ability to put bad performances behind him.
“He is very mature like that,” Dobson said, adding that the three-times capped Bok is no longer “spiralling” out of control when he has a bad day at the office.
“Manie has the ability to reset all the time.
“It is a testament to his quality that he can do that.”
Dobson admitted there has been some ‘noise’ around Libbok recently.
“[There was talk] that he is not a Test flyhalf. Tomorrow he will be Test flyhalf again.
“It is remarkable he has the ability not to spiral.
“He is not on a very positive track with his ability to stay in the fight.”
There is no doubt he is now one of the most important members of the Stormers starting XV.
He is likely to add many more caps to the three Springboks Tests he played in 2022.
Based on Saturday’s performance, he may well have moved up very high in the Bok pecking order – perhaps even to the second spot.
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