What are the Springboks goalkicking options beyond Libbok?

09/25/2023 02:45 AM

One of the major talking points following the Springboks’ loss to Ireland on Saturday has been the team’s trouble from the kicking tee, with Manie Libbok missing two shots, while Faf de Klerk also put another couple of long-distance attempts wide of the posts.

ALSO READ: Rassie: 'Libbok in goalkicking slump, Pollard will play'

Interestingly, a social media post also shows that the Springboks’ goalkicking record for the whole World Cup so far is a real cause for concern.

Rankings: Springboks slip, Ireland go clear at the top

ALSO READ |Springboks: Rassie apologies, sends message to referee

In a notable article released on Sunday night, the Springbok coaches confirmed they will weigh the team's goal-kicking options in the wake of the narrow defeat by Ireland (13-8) after returning from Paris to their Toulon training base on Sunday.

So, as the Springboks prepare to face Tonga this Sunday before a potential path through the knockout stage, what are their alternative options?

Bring Pollard back at 10

Probably the most likely scenario is a return to flyhalf for Handre Pollard, who has the experience of big match goalkicking, which was a huge factor when he led the team through the 2019 World Cup.

ALSO READ: Springboks' route to quarter-final now clear after Ireland loss

Hand the duties to Faf de Klerk full time

So far at the World Cup it has seemed that De Klerk is the designated back up goalkicker, but he hasn’t look all that assured from the kicking tee either, so this does seem unlikely.

Consider giving the role to Cheslin Kolbe or Damian Willemse

These are two other first-choice players who could take on the duties of kicking for posts, but they aren’t renowned goalkickers either, so this is very unlikely to transpire.

Continue to back Libbok

Although the Springboks have admitted that the talented flyhalf is going through a goalkicking slump, there are lots of other areas of his game that are going well. If he remains at 10, South Africa could take the bold move of continuing to give him the goalkicking duties, perhaps after a few extra coaching and technical adjustments.

ALSO READ: Rassie: 'Libbok in goalkicking slump, Pollard will play'

Put Pollard on the bench as an insurance policy

One final scenario could see the Springboks continue to start with Manie Libbok as the flyhalf and goalkicker, but if he begins to struggle, then they could look at having Pollard on the bench – ready to come on if things go awry for Libbok.

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Springboks address goal-kicking performance of Libbok

Meanwhile, Erasmus said he was happy with the play of Manie Libbok, the Boks' first choice flyhalf and goalkicker in 2023.

"Manie is definitely playing brilliant flyhalf rugby at this stage but obviously his goal-kicking isn't matching that," said Erasmus.

"If you weigh up the different things he does, he makes a great contribution to the team, but he is in a bit of a dip with his goal-kicking – he knows it, we know it and the world knows it."

ALSO READ: "Ireland were better on the day," Nienaber refuse to blame Libbok

Erasmus celebrated the nature of the match against Ireland, in particular congratulating his players for ensuring their tackle technique was of the highest standard to avoid the issuing of red or yellow cards.

"For the third match now, we have not had any disciplinary issues and it was such a nice thing to have a game where there was nothing referred to the bunker," he said.

"That's what we want from Tier One nations playing against each other – no penalties for foul play and played in a great spirit by both teams, well handled by the match officials and the people in the bunker."

ALSO READ: Is this the best Springboks 23 for the rest of the World Cup?

South Africa must win next game

The Springboks will return to field training on Tuesday after a day of recovery from a bruising encounter.

They will next face Tonga on 1 October in a must-win match