Libbok gets the ultimate backing for Bok No.10 jumper
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: ‘It would be wrong for him not to be pushing for that South African No.10 jersey.’
Those were the exact words used by Connacht captain Jack Carty, when asked about Stormers flyhalf Manie Libbok’s performance during the United Rugby Championship semifinal at the Cape Town Stadium at the weekend.
Libbok was again instrumental as he steered the Stormers to a 43-25 win over the Irish province.
The 25-year-old added 23 points to the team’s tally – scoring a brace of tries, kicking five conversions and a penalty, while his two perfectly executed cross-kicks also set up tries for wing Angelo Davids and centre Ruhan Nel.
* (Article continues below the Jack Carty interview …)
Speaking to reporters after the match, Connacht flyhalf and captain Jack Carty had nothing but praise for his opposition.
And he stated that Libbok should be in the fray when it comes to the Springbok flyhalf spot.
“He’s an incredible player in terms of watching him, you never know what he’s going to do,” Carty said.
“You think he’s going to pass, and he will do a chip over the top — kicks off both feet, incredible goal-kicker, running threat.
“I think he’s a phenomenal player, and it would be wrong for him not to be pushing for that South African 10 jersey.
“He’s a joy to watch, just in terms of the range of skills he has, and then he just leads his forward pack around. It’s good to see, but unfortunately for us, he had a good game [on Saturday].”
#REACTION: @connachtrugby coach Andy Friend sheds light on his team’s defeat to @Stormers despite dominating possession and territory. #rugby #news #Sports @URCOfficial https://t.co/OL8L3JiR6y
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) May 14, 2023
#⃣WATCH the wild scenes as Steven Kitshoff and his @THESTORMERS teammates celebrated @Munsterrugby‘s win over @leinsterrugby in the @URCOfficial #Semifinal #Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌍
🔗https://t.co/yqqzwwpXPx pic.twitter.com/BkUfaxMhO4— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) May 14, 2023
Connacht head coach Andy Friend shared his captain’s sentiments.
“Going into the game, we knew that the Stormers are a team of brilliant individuals, and we actually knew Manie was probably going to be the key,” Friend told reporters.
“We needed to try and quieten him down, and I thought in the first 15 to 20 minutes, we probably did — and then he found his mojo and off they went. You’ve got to pay credit to that.”
There is no doubt that Libbok can deliver at the URC level. He was vital during last season’s successful campaign when the Stormers were crowned the inaugural URC champions.
Last year’s performance got Libbok a Springbok call-up and the flyhalf delivered a noteworthy performance against Italy. He had since racked up three Boks caps and with the Rugby Championship approaching the star will certainly be hungry to add more to his name.
#⃣ICYMI The @Springboks coach will be desperate to get an #update on the latest injury of star flyhalf Handre Pollard 🚑#Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌍@rugbyworldcup 🏆
🔗https://t.co/xz7N9lNrxa— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) May 15, 2023
