The one Springbok teammate Handre Pollard ‘can’t praise enough’

Springboks fly-half Handre Pollard reserved special praise for his playmaking colleague Manie Libbok who he believes brings a different edge to the team.

Whilst many fans will remember the calm figure of Pollard landing crucial kicks at the back end of the Springboks’ fourth Rugby World Cup title, it was not the Leicester Tigers man who powered the team to that position.

In Pollard’s absence through injury, the Springboks turned to Libbok who matured quickly on the Test scene, looking at home in open play and giving the team more potency on attack typified by that no-look cross kick against Scotland in the pool stage.

Pure perfection from Manie Libbok 🤩

Kurt-Lee Arendse didn't even have to break stride#RWC2023 | #RSAvSCO pic.twitter.com/zRoMg8Xv5T

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 10, 2023

Adds dynamism

Libbok’s struggles from the tee opened the door for Pollard’s return, but the 29-year-old understood the value of his teammate and suggested it put the Springboks in a great position going forward.

“I can’t praise Manie enough for the way he’s playing and handling the pressure,” said Pollard.

“He’s a humble guy and works extremely hard, and he works for the team. He’s got a lovely dynamic way of playing towards us as a team, that’s a lovely thing and something that we’ve all embraced and enjoyed as well. Whatever our roles are for myself or him wherever we play it’s all towards the team and what we can do best for them.”

Bigger than pressure

A key theme of the Springboks side that secured back-to-back World Cup wins was the emphasis on playing for something greater than themselves. Pollard unpacks how the team approaches pressure in the game.

“Many players in this squad did not have an easy upbringing, so for us (representing South Africa) in a game like this is a privilege rather than pressure,” said Pollard.

“Most of the players grew up under pressure and they enjoy it, so we perhaps have a model to play World Cups.

“We are playing for our country, and it’s important that we leave everything out there.”

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