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Glasgow Warriors Aim to Contain Stormers’ Fly-Half Maestro Manie Libbok in URC Quarter-Final Clash
As the United Rugby Championship (URC) knockout stages commence this weekend, Glasgow Warriors will look to thwart the attacking prowess of Stormers’ fly-half Manie Libbok when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals.
The Cape Town-based Stormers, who won the inaugural URC title two years ago, have once again reached the playoff stages, with the 26-year-old Libbok playing a pivotal role in their success. The playmaker’s crucial drop-goal in the final against the Bulls cemented the Stormers’ triumph, while his stellar performances also guided them to last year’s final, where they fell short against Munster.
“If you can quieten him and get him off his game, they don’t function as well.”
- Nigel Carolan, Glasgow Assistant Coach
Glasgow assistant coach Nigel Carolan is well aware of the threat Libbok poses, acknowledging the Stormers’ “massive X-factor” and the fly-half’s status as “one of the best 10s in the business.” The Warriors intend to make life particularly uncomfortable for the visitors’ orchestrator, with Carolan stating, “If you can quieten him and get him off his game, they don’t function as well.”
Several Glasgow players, who were part of Scotland’s Rugby World Cup squad that faced South Africa last autumn, have firsthand experience of Libbok’s game-breaking abilities, having witnessed his stunning no-look cross-field kick that set up a crucial try for the Springboks.
While Libbok’s kicking game may have been inconsistent at times, the Warriors are wary of his defensive frailties, which they hope to exploit by adapting their usual attacking patterns. Carolan emphasized, “Not all our plays need to go out the back, some of them can target his channel as well.”
Glasgow’s chances of improving on last year’s quarter-final disappointment have been bolstered by the return to training of Scotland internationals Kyle Steyn and George Turner. However, the absence of the influential Stafford McDowall, who suffered an infected hand injury, will be a concern for the Warriors.
The quarter-final clash at Scotstoun will mark the first time the fifth-placed Stormers have faced a playoff tie away from their DHL Stadium home. Glasgow will be relying on their unyielding physicality and the return of key players to unsettle the visitors’ attacking rhythm and knock Libbok off his game, as they seek to secure a place in the URC semi-finals.
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