Woodward puts the boot into Boks
09/26/2023 02:24 AM
Sir Clive Woodward says the Springboks should be kicking themselves, as their World Cup defeat by Ireland reinforced how crucial it is to have a reliable goal-kicker.
Writing for the UK's Daily Mail, Woodward’s argument centres on the Boks’ poor goal-kicking, namely Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk, which cost the world champions 11 crucial points in a 13-8 loss at Stade de France on Saturday.
The former England coach emphasises the historical importance of having top-class sharpshooters in World Cup-winning teams, citing players like Jonny Wilkinson and Handre Pollard.
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He highlights that the missed kicks were a major factor in South Africa’s defeat in Saint-Denis, even though head coach Jacques Nienaber downplayed their significance.
Woodward suggests either giving Damian Willemse the goal-kicking duties or finding a way to reintegrate Pollard into the team to address this crucial issue.
"The brutal reality for the Springboks is that if Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk had not missed their chances at the posts, they arguably would have won," he writes.
"Libbok is a brilliant attacking player and South Africa were right to defend him when he also missed kicks in the Scotland win. But I think they have to make a big call with him now."
Photo: @Springboks/X
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