Latest news with #ManieLibbok
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
One for the Manie, two for the show . . . Springbok Libbok brought his kicking boots and is ready to go
FILE - Springboks flyhalf Manie Libbok made a big impact against the Barbarians with a flawless performance off the kicking tee. Image: Backpagepix Manie Libbok's flawless performance off the kicking tee against the Barbarians bodes well for the Springboks ahead of tougher assignments later this year. Libbok has always been a wonderful operator with ball in hand, with his crisp passing and running ability probably best suited to the new direction the Springboks are heading on attack. Libbok, who came on for another talented youngster Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the second half at Cape Town's DHL Stadium, sparked the Bok attack against a tiring Barbarians outfit. His game-management was very good in terrible wet and windy conditions, showcasing his brilliant all-round skills as the Boks put the Baabaas to the sword in the second stanza. However, it was 100% success rate when aiming at the posts that was most impressive, especially as many of those kicks weren't easy in the conditions, as the wind does tend to swirl in Cape Town's former 2010 FIFA World Cup venue. While his general play and ability in a Bok jersey can never be questioned, Libbok has come in for a lot of criticism in the past for missing kickable penalties. He missed the winning kick in the dying moments against Argentina away in the Rugby Championship last year, which saw him being stripped off the kicking duties in the next match. But on Saturday he was on the money, with coach Rassie Erasmus revealing that he has been working hard with Bok assistant coach Tony Brown and Stormers kicking guru Gareth Wright. Erasmus also mentioned that he also needs some credit for his part in Libbok's performance off the tee against the Barbarians. 'Tony worked hard with Manie, Gareth Wright also shadowed him for a week or the few days he was with us. But I told Tony I wanted the credit, because I told Manie to try to miss his kicks because then balls would go over!' Erasmus joked after the match.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Life without magical Manie Libbok at No 10 could be tougher for Stormers than what they are prepared for
Manie Libbok will be missed by the Stormers when he departs for Japan soon. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media Image: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media Comment by Leighton Koopman Whenever Manie Libbok pulls on a Stormers jersey, magic is bound to happen on the rugby field. However, his departure from the Stormers – confirmed in a video by the Cape side – to Japan is not just the end of a brilliant chapter of his rugby career in the Mother City. But it could also end up in a flyhalf crisis for the team in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup. For a franchise that rebuilt itself around flair, unpredictability and a free-flowing attacking game-plan when they nearly went bankrupt, losing the conductor of that orchestra is more than just a setback; it is a massive blow to their ambitions of winning titles in the future. Thanks for all you gave us. Always a part of us. 💙🩶 — DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) June 23, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Let's be blunt: the Stormers' attacking identity doesn't function without a flyhalf who can pull the strings and improvise on the attack. Libbok isn't just any No 10, though. He has been at the forefront of their resurgence since joining from the Bulls and Sharks, two franchises that failed to unlock the full potential of his talent. At the Stormers, he flourished, and there is a simple reason for that: the Cape side embraced his strengths and built their model around how he plays, not the other way around. Now, with Libbok exiting, the system may collapse. Manie Libbok expected to be announced by Kintetsu Liners pretty soon. #rugbyjp #SaffasAbroad — Darren (@SaffasRugby) June 24, 2025 Libbok's ability is rare and when harnessed properly, he is a title-winning flyhalf on any given day. He steps off his right and left foot, and his passing game is sublime – whether to the left or right of the field, he has world-class vision on the attack even in pressure situations. He doesn't just run plays – he reads the game in real time, and almost bends it to his will when on song. Replacing that will be difficult, and it was evident when he was injured last season. Newbie Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is promising, and no doubt the future of the Stormers. However, he's raw, and it was clear in the Cape side's flat performance in the URC quarter-finals against the Glasgow Warriors recently. End of an era in Cape Town. 💔 The Stormers confirm nine player exits, including URC-winning pivot Manie Libbok! Reports link him to Japan's Liners. Best of luck, Manie!#Stormers #AllThingsRugby — All Things Rugby (@AllThingsRugbyX) June 23, 2025 He failed to spark his side, and only when Libbok entered the fray as the flyhalf did the team look better. If Feinberg-Mngomezulu is the heir apparent, he will need time. But time is a luxury that the Stormers don't necessarily have in the extremely competitive European rugby competitions. Worst of all, Feinberg-Mngomezulu is injury-prone, and should he go down again for an extended period, they will be in real trouble with Libbok away. Other options in the squad, like Jurie Matthee, lack Libbok's instinctive flair and resilience, especially under pressure. Remember the 2022 URC campaign? Libbok didn't just step up, he owned the biggest stage, and that took his career to another level. Not many players can do that. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson built the team model on movement, unpredictability and creative offloads – hot-potato rugby, as some call it. Without a dynamic pivot to link the backs and forwards and dictate their transition from defence to attack, the model will feel it. Losing that impetus could see the team take a more structured and conservative approach with other flyhalves, except maybe Feinberg-Mngomezulu. That is not what supporters would want to see. They want the flair, the fast-paced action and the fun that sets the team apart from other sides.
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Stormers bid farewell to Bok champ
The Stormers have announced the exit of a seasoned playmaker and Vodacom URC title-winning pivot among nine players confirmed to be parting ways with the Cape outfit. In a post on Twitter, the Stormers bid farewell to world cup-winning flyhalf Manie Libbok, with widespread reports linking him to a possible overseas sabbatical. ALSO: Jake on the chopping block? Libbok, along with tighthead prop Brok Harris and scrumhalves Herschel Jantjies and Paul de Wet, played a pivotal role in the Stormers' 2021-22 URC win. Harris has retired, while Jantjies and De Wet join Bayonne and the Vodacom Bulls, respectively. Veteran Clayton Blommetjies is also exiting, as hooker Joseph Dweba heads to Exeter Chiefs and Englishman Ben Loader returns home to link up with Gloucester. Winger Angelo Davids has signed with the Lions. Zimbabwean loose forward Dave Ewers has called time on his career. Thanks for all you gave us. Always a part of us. 🩶 — DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) June 23, 2025 The post Stormers bid farewell to Bok champ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The South African
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Manie Libbok leaves Stormers
The Stormers have confirmed a major squad shake-up, with nine players – including star flyhalf Manie Libbok – officially parting ways with the Cape Town franchise. Libbok, a key figure in the Stormers' 2021/22 United Rugby Championship (URC) title, and a 2023 Rugby World Cup winner, headlines the list of departures. While the team didn't specify his next move, multiple reports suggest the dynamic playmaker is set for a stint in Japan with Hanazono Liners, the Osaka-based side who are currently pushing for promotion from Division Two of Japan Rugby League One. Manie Libbok – Rugby World Cup-winning flyhalf, URC champion Brok Harris – Veteran tighthead prop and long-serving stalwart, now retired Herschel Jantjies – Scrumhalf, joining Bayonne in France Paul de Wet – Scrumhalf, moving to Bulls Joseph Dweba – Hooker, signed by Exeter Chiefs (England) Ben Loader – English utility back, returning home to Gloucester Clayton Blommetjies – Veteran fullback, departure confirmed (new team TBC) Angelo Davids – Speedy winger, signed by the Lions Dave Ewers – Zimbabwe-born loose forward, retiring from professional rugby While the departures signal a rebuilding phase, the Stormers' management is expected to announce new signings soon. Fans will be watching closely as the franchise prepares for the 2025/26 URC season with several gaps to be filled. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
04-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Springboks (Signings & Exits): SEVEN player movements
A total of seven Springboks are linked with big moves both IN and OUT of South Africa. Being a Springboks rugby player certainly has it's perks. Following back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories, Bok stars are now even more sought-after than ever before. So, Let's take a look at the capped Springboks linked with big moves to new clubs both in and out of SA. Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach and Marvin Orie are all set to return home. Back to South Africa. The Rugby World Cup winning Springboks trio are all involved with massive deals with local United Rugby Championship outfits. Namely, the Bulls and Stormers. Pollard has signed a huge deal that will see him return to the Bulls next season. Meanwhile, Reinach has signed a deal with John Dobson's Stormers. He will start playing for the Cape-based side at the start of the 2025/26 season. Finally, Orie is set to join the Bulls next season. Meanwhile, Edwill Van Der Merwe has signed for the Sharks ahead of next season. Manie Libbok, Joseph Dweba and Herschel Jantjies are all set to leave the Stormers and SA at the end of the season. 'Scrumhalves Herschel Jantjies and Paul de Wet are heading to Bayonne in France and the Bulls respectively, while hooker Joseph Dweba departs for English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs, ' the insider stated on The Citizen. Meaning, three capped Boks are set to start new ventures abroad. Libbok has been linked with a sabbatical and a potential loan move to Japan. Meanwhile, both Dweba and Jantjies are going to ply their trade abroad next season. 'Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok, with Director of Rugby John Dobson confirming after the Glasgow loss that he was on his way out with the others, but with no confirmation on what sort of deal,' he added. However, Libbok will likely be loaned out and come back to the Stormers. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
