Libbok can convert on the biggest stage
14/04/2024 06:47
Criticism directed at Springbok and DHL Stormers playmaker Manie Libbok’s goal-kicking abilities are uninformed and ignorant, writes MARK KEOHANE.
A missed conversion from the flyhalf at the death last week 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 condemnation, while the 26-year-old has landed 67 from 101 attempts in all competitions since July 2023.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane defends Libbok’s skill by pointing out past successful kicks and highlighting the role of Gareth Wright, the Stormers’ kicking coach.
He stresses that Libbok, like any professional goal-kicker, is aiming for consistency and maturity in decision-making. Despite currently averaging two out of three kicks, Keohane believes Libbok can reach a 75% success rate with more game time and opportunities.
WATCH: Libbok's deadly cross-kick
Keohane underscores the variability of goal-kicking, citing examples of renowned kickers like Percy Montgomery and Jonny Wilkinson facing challenges in specific conditions or moments.
“Those condemning his apparent inability to do so based on a missed conversion into a gale force swirling wind at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town a week ago are a combination of ill-informed and ignorant,” he writes. “Criticism of Stormers kicking coach Gareth Wright is also offside.
“Libbok, for the Stormers and the Springboks, kicks two from three on average. His goal is to become a three-from-four kicker, and he will get to 75 percent the more he plays and the greater the number of goalkicking opportunities.
“What he has shown in a short time is that he can convert the biggest kicks and he can kick on the biggest stage. Libbok's goal-kicking needs perspective and not condemnation.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
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