Manie Libbock. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
- The absence of Manie Libbok for the Stormers’ Champions Cup meeting with Clermont represents a perfect opportunity for the franchise to explore some depth in the number 10 jersey.
- Assistant coach Dawie Snyman notes that Libbok’s excellent form has led to less turnover at the job, but his high profile means his availability could become spotty.
- The Stormers also wouldn’t be averse to taking a rookie start because they would have Damian Willemse and Clayton Blommentjies on their outside to help with the issues.
Manie Libbok, as expected, will not be in contention for selection when the Stormers aim to secure a safe passage to the European Champion Clubs’ Cup round of 16 against Clermont at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
However, the defending URC champions are so philosophical about their absence from the concussion protocol that they almost sound emotional about it.
The root of that sentiment is obvious: It forces the Cape franchise to consider building out its depth in the No. 10 jersey.
Libbok’s part in the Stormers’ success has been so great that the role was understandably almost annexed, although the attention he has received from the Springboks means he may not be around as regularly anymore.
“Actually he’s fine. In terms of his return, Manie did his return-to-play test on Wednesday, so it’s probably just this week.” [that he’ll be absent]. She passed everyone else. He was even fine after last weekend’s game,” Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman said Wednesday.
“Having him unavailable means we have to look at our options. It’s something we have to do, it’s probably a good time to do it too. There’s a lot of possibilities there. At some point, we’ll probably have to operate without him.” It could even happen in a semi-final or final anyway, so it’s a big challenge for us as a team.
“We need to build depth there so we can run our game without him. He’s done a brilliant job for us.”
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While Damian Willemse remains an attractive move-up option given his Bok-level pedigree there, it seems more likely that rookies Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu or Kade Wolhurter will enlist.
The former came on solidly as a substitute for Libbok in last weekend’s win over the London Irish and, like Willemse, is quickly building a reputation as a utility back.
“The comparison is apt, especially given that Sacha and Damien start their careers with us in similar contexts. Sacha plays with great composure and fits in well in big games, like last season’s URC quarter-final against Edinburgh,” he said. snyman.
“Sacha’s big traits are composure and physique, he has a rugby brain and understands games from different positions and what is required.”
Additionally, the risk of drafting a young fly guard is mitigated by the Stormers’ now-well-established system of having tradeable playmakers during games.
Last season Willemse, Warrick Gelant and Libbok “took turns” playing first receiver or dropping back to fullback and that philosophy has continued since the arrival of Clayton Blommetjies.
“It’s something we want to implement. We want multiple decision makers on the field, guys who can step into roles during a game like being the No. 1 receiver and understand what’s needed tactically at any stage,” Snyman said.
“That experience around a guy who might not have that much experience will help a lot.”
The start in Cape Town is at 19:30 on Saturday.
