Handre Pollard spoke effusively of fellow flyhalf Manie Libbok, highlighting the dynamism that the Stormers playmaker has brought to the Springboks.
Libbok took advantage of Pollard’s injury-enforced absence to seal a place as the only specialist flyhalf in South Africa’s initial 33-player squad for the World Cup.
While he has endured issues with his goalkicking consistency, Libbok has been key to the Springboks ushering in a new free-flowing attack, away from the set-piece-dominated style that won the 2019 World Cup.
Since Libbok made his Test debut last November in Marseille, the Springboks have lost three games: all away from home against France, Ireland and New Zealand.
“I can’t praise Manie enough for the way he has been playing,” Pollard said of his teammate. “He has been in unbelievable form and he has taken it under the pressure that comes with playing for South Africa.
“He has been handling that so well, it has been really amazing to watch.
“I have known Manie since he was very young and for me, the best thing is that he has not changed one bit from that young guy I met eight years ago. He is a humble guy, works for the team, and works extremely hard.
“I think he brings a beautiful, lovely, dynamic way of playing to the team. It is something we have all embraced and enjoyed as well.”
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Photo: LEMENT MAHOUDEAU and Wikus de Wet / AFP