Manie Libbok could not have picked a better time to rediscover his magical touch as the stars align for the DHL Stormers to defend their Vodacom United Rugby Championship title, writes DYLAN JACK.
From horror show to playoff hero, Libbok was the driving force as the Stormers put the Vodacom Bulls to the sword in the quarter-final derby at a packed Cape Town Stadium.
It was just three weeks ago that the playmaker endured a chastening evening as the Stormers were beaten for the first time in over a year on their home ground by Munster. In that game, Libbok missed no fewer than five kicks at goal and struggled to find gaps in the well-organised Munster defence.
However, when it mattered most, Libbok stepped up to the plate and booted the Bulls out of the park. Aside from nailing every kick at goal, Libbok bamboozled the Bulls with a delightful array of attacking kicks and silky runs.
MORE: Dobson wary of dogged Connacht
The way Libbok and halfback partner Herschel Jantjies varied the Stormers’ attack was something to behold. From long kicks to chip-kicks giving the Stormers’ runners a chance of winning the ball back, it seemed the Vodacom Bulls were in reverse gear for most of the first half and Libbok was a major reason why.
That Libbok was able to produce that performance weeks after one of his worst of the season speaks to his growing maturity, something John Dobson touched on after the game.
“The growth in Manie from when he first came here is that he had the ability to spiral [out of control], and lots of players do. Now he’s got the ability to put everything behind him, so he’s very mature like that,” said Dobson.
“Like a goldfish that swims through a castle in the water, it’s the first time he’s ever seen it, and Manie has that ability just to reset all the time. It’s testament to his quality, because there has been a bit of noise around him for the last few weeks that he’s not really Test flyhalf material, and now I’m sure tomorrow he will be Test flyhalf material again.
“It’s remarkable that he’s got that ability. There was one game we played in Durban last year where he did spiral, and everything got worse and worse. Now, he’s fixed that, and has this ability to stay in the fight and I think it’s great for him.”
Whether or not you believe Libbok has the steel for Test rugby – or even whether the Libbok that faced the Vodacom Bulls was the true version of the player – probably depends on which side of the country you stay.
However, there’s no question that Libbok is made for the big games at club level, evidenced further by his clutch moments in last season’s semi-final and final.
The Stormers have two more games to win to defend their title. Connacht did them a massive favour by upsetting Irish rivals Ulster, ensuring a home semi-final for the defending champions.
BISMARCK: Best in the business
It’s not entirely out of the question that Munster could land a knockout blow on Leinster this weekend, especially given the number-one ranked side will have an eye on the upcoming Champions Cup final against La Rochelle.
That would give the Stormers a home final and an opportunity to avenge their round-robin loss as well as for Libbok to redeem himself against the side that kept him silent.
Quietly, the stars are aligning for the Stormers and if Libbok is able to carry this form through the playoffs, back-to-back titles will be there for the taking.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix