Boks’ Libbok out to prove his worth against Ireland — and Sexton

Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok has a golden alternative to make an enormous assertion when he fronts up against Ireland and their flyhalf common Johnny Sexton of their World Cup pool match on the Stade de France on Saturday night time.

With World Cup winner Handre Pollard being known as up into the squad as an damage substitute for Malcolm Marx, the Bok administration are in all probability nonetheless not fully bought on Libbok having the ability to produce the products underneath large strain as soon as the competitors reaches the knockout stage.

This weekend’s conflict is thus the right alternative for Libbok to prove that he can produce against the very best groups underneath intense strain.

Impressed against All Blacks

Just a few weeks in the past Libbok impressed against the All Blacks with a flawless kicking efficiency and a robust all-round exhibiting, whereas he was named man-of-the-match within the Boks’ opening World Cup win over Scotland.

So he has accomplished it earlier than and he’ll want to do it once more against Ireland if he needs to push his case to be thought of forward of Pollard when it comes to crunch time.

“My whole game is going to be important, every part of it … if it is kicking for poles, if it is kicking out of hand, if it is my attacking with ball in hand. Every bit of it is going to be important,” stated Libbok about what he wants to do against Ireland.

“I’m simply working exhausting on my fundamental abilities. Kicking for poles … I’ve put a variety of work in it to get it proper.

“It’s going to be a massive game, it’s the World Cup. It’s the biggest stage in rugby. I’m just grateful to be in a position to go out there on Saturday and represent my country.”

Upstage Sexton

If Libbok can produce a efficiency that upstages Ireland captain Sexton, it ought to go a good distance in instilling perception within the Bok administration that he’s the person for the job.

Pollard is probably going to get the nod within the Boks’ ultimate pool match against Tonga subsequent week to guarantee that he’s match-ready for the knockouts, so this can be Libbok’s ultimate probability to impress forward of the quarterfinals.

“Johnny is a great player and he’s done amazing things for Ireland over the years. But for myself, it’s just focusing on myself and my game and preparing to the best of my ability to be ready to go on Saturday. I’m just looking forward to the challenge,” stated Libbok.