John Dobson backs Manie Libbok to shine at flyhalf

The Springboks missed some points off the kicking tee in the narrow loss to Ireland in the epic Pool B clash on Saturday. However, Libbok continued to impress as the backline general, providing a pinpoint flat ball for winger Cheslin Kolbe to get over the line.

Dobson - who has spent two years coaching the talented flyhalf at the Stormers - acknowledged Libbok's current shortcomings off the tee but highlighted the positives of his play.

"Ja, I think I said, I think we chatted last week, you know, I thought we couldn't, and it's not only my view, the South Africans struggled to play into their 22. I think with Manie there, we got the most chance," the coach told the Off The Ball podcast.

"I think he's playing even better rugby than he plays in a lower level of the URC. He's playing on the Springboks on attack, the way the ball's out the back, getting us width.

"Sometimes with Manie the thing to do, unless it's a conversion, is by giving him the easy penalties otherwise drill it in the corner."

With Handre Pollard returning to full training with the world champions, it bolsters the squad's depth and leaves Bok management with good problems to have when it comes to selection.

Talking backline options, Dobson said one possibility is to feature both Libbok and Pollard at the same time.

"Look, there is another option which has been talked about that you have Pollard at 12 and you push Damian de Allende out and you can always move Pollard in but that would mean a move away from the 7-1," he continued.

Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus revealed earlier this week that fit-again Pollard will get some much-needed minutes against Tonga on Sunday.