Good rugby isn’t always winning rugby, admits Libbok
The gifted 21-year-old pivot also doesn't mind being a sponge in acting as Handre Pollard's understudy for the Bulls.
Manie Libbok. Photo: Gallo Images.
According to flyhalf Manie Libbok, the Bulls have learnt from their bitter defeat to the Jaguares, that they have to be more patient in the opposition’s 22. They head into another home game they are expected to win, against the Reds this weekend at Loftus Versfeld.
Despite dominating territory and possession, the Bulls failed to make the most of their chances against the Jaguares, leading to frustration, which boiled over in the last 10 minutes, with two yellow cards allowing the visitors to come from 10-20 down and snatch a dramatic 22-20 victory.
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“We played very good rugby which took us into the right areas. We created lots of opportunities and need to be more clinical in the kill zone,” Libbok said at Loftus Versfeld.
“And that takes patience. We need to spend more time on the ball, take it through several phases until we feel we have the upper hand.
“The more phases you can string together, the more opportunities you will have.
“Until the 70th min, we thought we had the game, but there was poor discipline in the last 10 min and we conceded a soft try.”
There was no ranting from coach Pote Human, but he left the team in no doubt that irresponsible play will not be tolerated.
“The coach is very strict on discipline and we took it on the chin. As a team we must stay as clean as possible, especially at the rucks and when it comes to high tackles, and he said our discipline must lift,” Libbok said.
The 21-year-old is likely to be back on the bench this weekend as Handre Pollard returns, but said he is enjoying being the Springbok flyhalf’s understudy.
“It’s good to play under the Springbok flyhalf and I’m learning a lot,” he said.
“Of course I want to play, but Handre is a great player and a good leader, so I must make sure I take my opportunity when it comes.”
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