SOUTH AFRICA stunned commentators and pundits with the “ruthless” removal of scrum-half Manie Libbok after just half an hour of their World Cup semi-final against England.
With the Red Rose shocking many with a confident start on the way to a 12-6 interval lead, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus suddenly replaced Libbok with Handre Pollard.
GettyManie Libbok looked shell-shocked to be taken off so early[/caption]
Surprised ITV commentators were full of sympathy for Libbok over the unusually-early tactical change.
But ex-England fly-half Paul Grayson backed what some fans online called a “brutal” move by Erasmus.
Grayson told BBC Radio 5 live: “Manie Libbok looked miles off it. He normally kicks brilliantly with both feet.
“He did not look comfortable out there and South Africa have made an early change.”
England were 9-3 up at the time.
Pollard then added to a penalty from the main he replaced, Libbok, to cut the deficit.
But Owen Farrell kicked his fourth penalty to leave the Red Rose optimistic for the second period.
Supporters online were divided over Libbok being hauled off.
Some accused Erasmus of a “knee-jerk reaction, one saying: “This is not the move to make. Manie has not been the issue.”
But a Boks’ fan argued: “That’s a good move, he is costing us.”