Springbok half fly Manie Libbok.
- Springbok manager Jacques Nienaber said Manie Libbok showed excellent qualities as an owner in Italy on Saturday.
- Coming on as a substitute, Libbok took over in the opening and netted five of six conversions as the Boks won 63-21 in Genoa.
- Both of Libbok’s Tests have seen him come off the bench.
in Genoa
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was very impressed with Manie Libbok’s opening display in the 63-21 win against Italy on Saturday, saying the center has taken over his role.
Libbok came on in the 46th minute after Cheslin Kolbe limped off with a suspected hamstring injury after scoring the third of the Boks’ nine tries.
Libbok has started both of his tests on the bench, but his 30+ minute audition behind a dominant group allowed him the freedom of the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
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Libbok’s management of play allowed the Bok full-backs, who were more than adequate for most of the first half, to breathe even more in the second stanza.
Libbok also composed himself off the tee, making five for six conversions as the Boks finally had something to talk about on their tricky tour.
“I was asked throughout the week where Manie was in our pecking order and I said she just had one injury left to start,” Nienaber said.
“He has really worked hard in the last two weeks and has integrated very well.
“Each week, he grew in confidence in terms of being comfortable with how things work, what is expected of him and owning his role.
“He’s come through in leaps and bounds and I thought he was terrific when he came in.”
The Boks may have crushed what was always considered the underdog of the touring teams they were to face, but converting chances was what stuck with Nienaber.
Nienaber admitted that its improvement was still gradual, but players are slowly becoming familiar with its subtle variations in gameplay.
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“We took advantage of the opportunities that we created in this game,” Nienaber said.
“I don’t think it’s near perfect and I think we can always improve. The work that the guys have put in over the last month in terms of what we’re looking for next year, the guys have accepted that.”
“They are appropriating it and we are building it.”
