Bulls boss Jake White has jokingly hinted that he has played a role in Manie Libbok’s rise to become one of the top flyhalves in this country.
The Stormers number 10, who played for the Bulls when White arrived as the new director of rugby in the first half of 2020, was a Springbok last year.
Before joining the Cape-based side at the end of 2021 Libbok also featured for the Sharks but like at the Bulls, he never reached his potential in Durban.
‘Maybe Manie should thank me’
But under the coaching of John Dobson and in a Stormers team that has been South Africa’s number one outfit for the last two years, Libbok has performed at a level that has made him a serious contender for the Springbok No 10 jersey.
On Saturday, in front of 41,000 fans in the place he once called home, Libbok was at his best again, scoring 13 points with the boot, including a 72nd-minute drop goal, to help his team beat the Bulls 23-19 in a URC match at Loftus Versfeld.
“Maybe Manie should thank him for letting him go,” White said of allowing Libbok to leave the Bulls for the Sharks at the end of 2020.
“But we had Morne (Steyn), Chris Smith and Johan Goosen (at that time, when Libbok was released). Sometimes you have to make the call… sometimes you get it right, other times you don’t.
“Players also sometimes need a change of environment (to reach their potential). I’ve seen players go places and play well, and other times they don’t play well.
‘He played well’
White though admits Libbok is now at the top of his game.
“He played well. He loves playing against the Bulls … he plays every time. It’s almost his way of showing that we need to keep him here.
White then referred to some of the 1995 World Cup winners who left the old Northern Transvaal for the Transvaal (under coach Kitch Christie) and achieved their full potential.
“Look at guys like Rudolf Straeuli, Hannes Strydom, Gavin Johnson, Johan Roux, the list goes on… they all left Northern for the Lions (Transvaal) under coach Kitch and went on to win the World Cup.
“The reality is that players leave the franchise; it happens.
“Manie has found a new home at the Stormers and he’s playing well. He’s really gelled with that backline, and whatever he’s doing there is working. The whole jigsaw puzzle is working for him, and it’s great.