Le Roux backs Libbok’s ‘positive things’ over goal-kicking

Springbok fullback Willie le Roux has come to the defence of under fire flyhalf Manie Libbok ahead of the Boks’ final World Cup pool match against Tonga at the Stade de Marseille on Sunday night.

Libbok has been heavily criticised for his inconsistent goal-kicking this year, which has seen coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi come passionately to his defence over the past few weeks.

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However, the criticism has ramped up once again after the Boks’ loss to Ireland over the past weekend, where Libbok and Faf de Klerk both missed two shots at goal, leaving 11 points on the field in a five-point loss.

‘Positive things’

This has seen fans and pundits calling for Handre Pollard to be recalled to the Bok starting line-up, which has now transpired for the Tonga match.

 Despite his struggles from the kicking tee, Le Roux believes Libbok does more than enough good in other departments across the field to make up for the missed points at goal.

“I just look at what Manie does on the field for us. His attacking, how he creates space for guys, the cross-kicks, the long passes over the top (for players to score tries),” explained Le Roux.

“For me, I don’t look at that (the goal-kicking). I look at the positive things that he’s doing for the team. We all back him and we all back everyone who has to kick.”

Tonga match

Le Roux is back in the starting line-up for the game against Tonga, having missed out on the match 23 for the Ireland match after the Boks opted to go with the controversial 7-1 split of forwards to backs on the bench.

Damian Willemse has recently taken over as the Boks’ first choice No 15 and has put in some sparkling performances, including in the loss against Ireland, so Le Roux will be eager to put in a strong performance to keep him on his toes.

He is also well aware of how important the game against Tonga is, with the Boks needing a big bonus point win, and he is prepared for a massive encounter.

“It’s knockout rugby this weekend for us. Tonga is going to be a brutal game. They have some big boys there,” said Le Roux.