Manie still the man for clutch moments
08/04/2024 16:35
A key stat has shown why Manie Libbok isn't a liability for the Springboks and DHL Stormers from the kicking tee, despite lingering doubts over his temperament on goal.
A missed conversion from the flyhalf at the death on Saturday stopped the Stormers from dethroning the defending European champions, and claiming a second consecutive win against La Rochelle in the 2023-24 Champions Cup.
Libbok's consistency as a goal-kicker during the Boks' Rugby World Cup title defence in France last year earned criticism, while the 26-year-old has landed 67 from 101 attempts in all competitions since July 2023.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has said Libbok is helping the four-time world champions play an attacking brand of rugby the fans want to see, with Stormers boss John Dobson adding that giving him easier goal-kicks helps build his confidence.
And according to an analytical post on social media, Libbok's success or lack thereof in front of the uprights "isn’t down to BMT and rather to overall kicking accuracy".
There are some very unfair comments being made about Manie Libbok's "BMT" (Big match temperament) when it comes to clutch kicks.
The reality is far more simple
Since July 2023 Manie Libbok has a Goal Kicking Accuracy 66% or 2 of every 3 kicks.
Having already kicked last… pic.twitter.com/wglGh25Fnn
— Angus (@AnalystGus) April 7, 2024
Photo: @THESTORMERS/Twitter
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