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Manie Libbok was dropped from the Springboks’ 23 man squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand.
Having played in every other game in the tournament, starting in all bar one of the five, the 26-year-old fly-half had played a key role in the team’s journey to the final.
But with fellow ten Handre Pollard growing into the tournament, Libbok’s game-time was gradually declining.
Having started against Tonga in Round Four of the pool stages, Pollard, who had been left out of Rassie Erasmus’ initial squad due to concerns over his fitness on the back of a calf injury, was then brought on for Libbok four minutes into the second half against France in the quarter finals.
In the semi-final against England, Erasmus rolled the dice even earlier with Pollard brought on for his counterpart ten minutes before the interval. The Stormers 10 had struggled in that particular game, slicing a kicked clearance before knocking a ball on prior to his substitution.
This led to speculation that Pollard, who plays his club rugby for Leicester Tigers, would start the final but it was still something of a shock when Libbok was left out of the 23 entirely.
Erasmus instead opted for his famous 7:1 split, with utility back Willie Le Roux the only non-starting defender to make the match-day squad.
Such a dramatic fall from grace could have led to disharmony among the backs in the Boks’ squad, with Libbok in particular having grounds for upset, but post-match footage showed that he took it on the chin, putting the team first.
Speaking on this week’s House of Rugby, former Ireland international Lindsey Peat says it’s a measure of Rassie Erasmus’ and Jacques Nienaber’s man-management that, in the dressing room after the game, Libbok stood alongside Erasmus singing ‘Rassie, Rassie’ to the tune of The Cranberries’ Zombie.
He certainly didn’t look like a disgruntled squad member, as you’ll see below.
“I watched Manie Libbok after the match when the whole South African team were singing ‘Rassie, Rassie,’ (to the tune of the Cranberries’ Zombie.) It was phenomenal, Libbok was about three or four people from him,” said Peat.
Zombie: the Rassie version 😂#RWC2023 | #RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/84ruh7vf29
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 28, 2023
“So if you’re in a huff and you’re pissed off with someone, I’m telling you now, I wouldn’t be sitting beside my coach having a beer.
“So the fact that he can manage people and they’re happy to buy in because the greater gift is the team, that’s a gift in itself,” added Peat.
With Erasmus’ right-hand-man Jacques Nienebar now on his way to take up a role as head coach of Leinster, the question was posed as to whether he may bring the 7:1 split with him, but former Ireland international Alison Miller feels it will be a case of horses for courses.
“It’s a different team with different strengths, so hopefully it won’t be the answer,” said former Ireland international Alison Miller.
“I know when Jacques Nienebar was down with Munster, Greg O’Shea told a story about what a great person he is and what he brought to the set up. I’m excited to see that in Leinster as well,” added Peat.
House of Rugby with Lindsay Peat and Alison Miller.
Related articles:
- Siya Kolisi praises South Africa for “ugly” win as ROG marvels at Pollard beauty
- Lawrence Dallaglio comments on referee blow up as Matt Williams trolls Springboks
- “An unbelievable find” – Brian Gleeson and five other Ireland prospects to watch in the URC
- Johnny Sexton linked with swift return to Ireland as Mike Catt set to depart
