Springbok fly-half Manie Libbok has earned the respect of the rugby community after showcasing an excellent display of rugby to sink one of South Africa’s biggest rivals, New Zealand, in their own backyard in Wellington.
The 28-year-old was part of the match day squad who handed the All Blacks their biggest defeat after claiming a 43-10 victory over the men in black on Saturday.
The World Champions went into the game with their tails between their legs after previously falling short a week prior, as well as slipping from first to third in the world rugby rankings.
Fueled by his desire to correct previous mistakes, coach Rassie Erasmus named a youthful backline that comprised of x-factor talent like 22-year-old Ethan Hooker, Canan Moody (23), Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Cobus Reinach, as well as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who started the game in the number 10 jersey.
Unfortunately, Sacha was unable to finish the game due to a failed Head Injury Assessment (HIA), which saw the return of Manie Libbok. The former Stormers fly-half previously endured much criticism for his kicking. On the day, he once again proved why he got called up to be a Springbok in the first place and in the process made history as the only fly-half to hand the opposition to big defeats, 35 – 7 (2023) and 43 – 10 (2025).
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This has since earned him the praises of both supporters and analysts in rugby circles.
In an interview with Talking Boks, former Springbok coach Nick Mallet sang the praises of the lively fly-half.
“He came on when the pack had us on the front foot – Jasper Wiese was making metres, Pieter-Steph du Toit was carrying, the lineout was operating properly, and once Wilco Louw was on, the scrum was dominant – and Manie steered us superbly in those conditions.
“In that period, his tactical kicking and decision-making were excellent: when the ruck ball was quick and we had momentum, we moved it; when it wasn’t, we kicked contestable. That balance was spot-on.”
Speaking on the Behind the Ruck Podcast, co-hosts and former Springboks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh also applauded Manie’s contributions in the game.
“I want to credit Rassie Erasmus for backing Manie,” Rudy said. “I am in awe whenever I watch him play. It puts a smile on my face because the way that we score tries whenever Manie is on the field – it’s just exciting, it is lekker!”
Meanwhile, the Boks have since returned to South Africa, where they are set to begin preparations for their final two games against Argentina.
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Also see: Manie Libbok honoured to be recognised among the ‘greats’
