Despite being unfairly pitted against each other, Manie Libbok has praised fellow Springbok Handre Pollard for his support and encouragement during the Rugby World Cup.

In an interview on Behind the Ruck Podcast, the flyhalf revealed that he had nothing but love and mutual respect for his teammate.

Pollard was called in as a late replacement in the tournament, where he helped South Africa win for the second consecutive time.

 

MANIE LIBBOK SHOWS LOVE FOR POLLARD
Speaking to Behind The Ruck podcasters Rudy Paige & Juan De Jongh, Manie Libbok reflected on his “good relationship” with Handre Pollard.

He said: “Handré’s an awesome guy.”

During the World Cup, Libbok faced criticism from the public for his kicking errors on the pitch. But with the help of the coaching staff – and Handre – Manie returned stronger.

He continued: “I’m just stoked for how he [Handre] came in, and how he supported me.

“Obviously, he helped the team, and he helped me, to prepare to the best of our ability to win the World Cup.

“Later on, he got his opportunity to start, which he deserved. I’m just happy. I was stoked to have him back in the group. He’s a world-class flyhalf, and he has done it before, so there’s no one else you want to learn from.

Libbok added: “To have a guy like him in your corner, to guide you through things, he’s the best. .

“I’ve learned a lot from him in my time with the Bulls and obviously now with my time at the Boks as well.”