From horror show to Stormers hero: Dobson heaps praise on 'Test material' Libbok
Stormers coach John Dobson has heaped praise on flyhalf Manie Libbok, who produced a Man of the Match performance in Saturday's 33-21 URC quarter-final win over the Bulls in Cape Town.
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Libbok was sublime with ball in hand and off the kicking tee as he helped the Stormers put the Bulls to the sword in impressive fashion.
The Springbok pivot contributed 18 points with the boot, slotting all seven of his attempts at goal that included three conversions and four penalties.
It was a remarkable turnaround from just a few weeks ago when Libbok's horror evening with the boot saw the Stormers lose 26-24 to Munster at Cape Town Stadium.
On that night, Libbok had missed no fewer than five kicks at goal. Four of those kicks were relatively straightforward and the player's confidence appeared shot at the end of the game.
Dobson defended Libbok after the Munster game, saying he backed his pivot to bounce back.
And Libbok duly bounced back in style on Saturday with a flawless display. He slotted a number of kicks from far out and never looked like missing.
Libbok's general play was also superb and he showed why he became a Springbok last year.
"The growth in Manie from when he first came here is that he had the ability to spiral [out of control], and lots of players do. Now he's got the ability to put everything behind him, so he's very mature like that," Dobson told reporters after Saturday's game.
Ulster 10-15 Connacht
Stormers 33-21 Bulls
Leinster 35-5 Sharks
Glasgow Warriors 5-14 Munster
The Stormers coach said he was impressed by Libbok's ability to easily put a bad performance behind him.
"Like a goldfish that swims through a castle in the water,