Springboks | Willemse backs Libbok to come right

Ashwin Willemse
JOHANNESBURG – There is no doubt that South Africa is a rugby-mad country and when their beloved Springboks lose, there is a collective blanket of despair.
Bok flyhalf Manie Libbok received quite a bit of a backlash after missing a match-winning kick last weekend.
READ: Springboks take on Pumas for Rugby Championship title
But he’s received support from former Bok winger Ashwin Willemse, who insists Libbok is the real deal.
Willemse said, “Manie Libbok is the classic case where you see skills galore. He’s got everything it takes. There’s one simple message: if you’re not good enough the coach will not select you.”
“If the coach picks you the coach is saying to you, you’re good enough. I don’t think Manie doubts that – Manie doesn’t look like a player that doubts himself.”
“Every player wants to be successful on the biggest stage and if you miss it, it either makes you or breaks you. I think Manie has been given another opportunity.”
“How he goes out and does what he does, I think he’s a classic example of someone with everything they need to perform at the highest level and if it doesn’t come off you’ve got to live with that pressure. If it comes off, you’re the hero of the town.”