SA Rugby’s Rassie Erasmus has seemingly confirmed fan speculation that Handre Pollard offered advice to Manie Libbok regarding his kick accuracy. This, following the Springboks’ defeat of Tonga on Sunday, 1 October.
During the game, Libbok – who was previously criticised over his tactical errors – delivered a 100% kicking conversion rate.
While the Boks won the match 49-18 and await news of their progression to the quarter-finals, Tonga has sadly beenBoth Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard were praised on social media for their performances in the Tonga clash. Pollard – who recently returned to the Springboks following an injury and started the game – scored four successful conversations.
Libbok was called to replace Handre in the second half, scoring three accurate conversions.
In a post-match media briefing, Rassie Erasmus shed light on Manie’s game performance. The SA Rugby director admitted assistant coach Mzwandile Stick had worked with Manie to improve his technique.He also hinted that Handre may have had something to do with it.
“He [Manie] certainly has worked hard with Handre, and maybe it’s Handre who gave him a tip or two.
“I don’t think the shot clock was ever an issue with him, and Manie is a very interesting character when it comes to something like that.
“It doesn’t bother him for the rest of his game, and that is something special to have.”Rassie also admitted that the Boks were deliberating over which player to select in the squad who could potentially play in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
He continued: “Handre made four kicks and Manie three, so we kicked seven out of seven. It’s a tough call we will have to make.
“If we go five/three, maybe both can be in the mix. If we go six/two, it’s a possibility; if we go seven/one, then things might look a little different”.
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STRATEGY OR NOT?
Social media users have claimed that both Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok’s inclusion in the Springboks vs Tonga game was not coincidental.
According to Twitter or X users, Libbok worked well under pressure, likely because of the presence of his fellow Springbok, whom many have compared him to.
Others claim this was a “strategic move” by SA Rugby’s Rassie Erasmus and Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber.