Springbok attack coach: How Pollard, Libbok can get even better
Springbok attack coach: How Pollard, Libbok can get even better
The Springboks head into the new season with former All Blacks star Tony Brown now serving as the team’s attack coach, and a significant part of this role will be to ensure he can get the best out of playmakers Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok.
The flyhalf duo are competing strongly for the No 10 jersey, and Brown has interestingly shone a spotlight on some key facets of play he is specifically working on with each individual.
“We’ve tried a few things and got them to do different stuff. With Handre being a little bit older and has been around a long time,” Brown commented.
“I’m hoping that with a bit more time, we can build a good partnership and get him playing some really exciting rugby. When I watched him play U20 rugby, he was the most dominant flyhalf at the gainline in the world as a 20-year-old.
“If we can get back to the same footy, that would be amazing.”
Meanwhile, Brown added that goalkicking was an important focus area for Libbok.
“Manie’s had a few issues in recent times and when he practises, he’s a quality goalkicker. It’s a matter of him getting a little bit more comfortable on the big stage and we can fix that pretty quickly.”
The Springboks have a big call to make when it comes to settling on Pollard or Libbok at 10
Brown, who took over the team’s attack following the departure of Felix Jones to England, said he was thrilled about the prospect of this Saturday’s clash against Ireland.
“This is one of the biggest matches for me. It’s a huge occasion. Loftus Versfeld is an intimidating ground and it’s exciting to face one of the best teams in the world there. The players have been amazing,” added Brown.
“Last week was the first time we had everyone together in camp and they’ve really bought into what we want to do. The Springboks are always a tough team to play against because of their physicality and the way they try to dominate the set pieces, so if we can maintain that and evolve with our attack, I think we can do good things.
“Ireland have been playing good rugby for a few years now. The Springboks have won the last two Rugby World Cups, whereas Ireland would have loved to do better in the World Cups.”
New role
Former Test referee Jaco Peyper, who is with the Springbok squad in his capacity as national laws advisor, also described his experience as being a new member of the Springbok management team as exciting and said although his role was new, it would evolve with time.
“My role started with me spending time with the team management and the decision to build on the respect around refereeing as a team and around the world,” said Peyper.
“My job is mainly to help the coaching staff coach accurately with an eye on the key focus areas and to assist with the alignment following matches.
“It’s clear what World Rugby wants in terms of the guidelines they put in place, and as a team we would like to avoid conceding penalties, so the job will definitely get a bit more detailed as we go along.”
The match kicks off at 17:00 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.