Springboks Rugby

Springboks Rassie Hints at Hidden Plan to Offset Libbok’s Goal-kicking Woes

Could Cheslin Kolbe be the secret solution to the Springboks’ goal-kicking difficulties when Manie Libbok is at flyhalf?

Manie Libbok has been selected to start at flyhalf for the Springboks against Argentina, but he could well be spared the goal-kicking responsibilities.

Libbok has come under fire following his missed penalty attempt in the dying stages of the Springboks’ agonising 29-28 defeat to Argentina last weekend in Santiago del Estero.

As a result of his costly error, there’s been widespread calls for his omission from the Springbok team for the return fixture in Mbombela this coming Saturday.

But in true Rassie Erasmus fashion, he shocked the nation by promoting Libbok from the bench to the starting lineup for the title-deciding Rugby Championship showdown.

Commenting on his selection of the 27-year-old Libbok, Erasmus said it’s the player’s general play that earn him the promotion.

“Manie’s general play is fantastic, and he brings a lot of energy and play-making abilities to the backline. He dictates play well, so we back Manie fully to do the job for us at flyhalf,” Erasmus explained.

That still doesn’t fix the Springboks’ ever-present goal-kicking problems with Libbok at No 10. But according to the man in charge, he’s already working on an alternative solution that would spare Libbok the added pressures of place-kicking.

“It’s not just up to him to find solutions for his goal kicking, it is something we have to do as a team, and we are working on a plan.”

That leaves the question, does this newly hatch plan involve Cheslin Kolbe? Well that is the most likely outcome, since the Springboks have opted not to elect an out-and-out goal-kicker for the match.

Kolbe, who was among the contingent that stayed behind in South Africa last week to rest, is back on the wing and since he has previously done a job for the Springboks (and several of his clubs) off the kicking tee, the all-action speedster is likely to do so again in Saturday’s crucial Test.

DO YOU THINK THE SPRINGBOKS WILL BEAT ARGENTINA?

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