Manie Libbok has rediscovered his confidence in the highs and lows of helping the DHL Stormers progress to a second consecutive Vodacom United Rugby Championship final.

Libbok scored 23 points as the Stormers battled to a 43-25 victory over Connacht in front of a record crowd at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

REPORT: Magical Manie sends Stormers to final

The Springbok flyhalf was influential throughout as he scored a brace of tries in the first half, when the Stormers put on a 24-point rally after trailing 8-0 early in the match. He then played a role in two of the Stormers’ three second-half tries, as the defending champions fired late to secure the win.

Libbok’s performance against Connacht comes a week after he helped the Stormers down his former side, the Vodacom Bulls, with a 100% kicking off the tee in the quarter-finals.

Speaking after the semi-final, Libbok said the criticism he recieved after struggling in the loss against Munster only made him stronger.

“It’s funny. Obviously, that performance against Munster was tough. I wasn’t at my best, especially kicking for goal,” said Libbok. “I don’t think my game was off. I think I did a good job in general but my kicking wasn’t where it has to be. I knew that if we just kicked one over, then we would win the game.

“Those types of games build my character. I took a lot of learnings out of games like that. Those games remind that you still have a lot to work on. You just need to put that into perspective and put the work in.”

DOBSON: We want to do something special

Libbok paid tribute to the Stormers coaching staff and kicking coach Gareth Wright in particular for keeping the faith in him during the difficult parts of his career in the Western Cape.

“We have a phenomenal kicking coach here at the Stormers. He helps me a lot on my kicking and brings the best out of me by putting the work in with me. I am just grateful for him always backing me.

“It shows and it paid off in the Bulls game. From that game, I got my confidence back, but also from the Benetton game as well. I have my confidence back, but I am keeping my head down and working hard so I can be in the best possible position for the weekend.”

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images