Manie Libbok Says “God Did” After Springboks’ Record Win, Wins Praise from Fans and Legends

Manie Libbok Says “God Did” After Springboks’ Record Win, Wins Praise from Fans and Legends

  • The Springboks produced one of their greatest performances in recent history, dismantling their fiercest rivals in front of a stunned Wellington crowd
  • Manie Libbok, who came on as a replacement, turned the tide with a display that silenced his doubters and reminded fans of his true class
  • After the final whistle, his brief yet powerful social media post sparked a wave of admiration, drawing responses from rugby legends

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The Springboks defeated the All Blacks with a record 43-10 win on Saturday, 13 September 2025, in Wellington in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.

South Africa produced one of their finest performances of all time, retaining the Freedom Cup and keeping alive their hopes of defending the championship they won last season.

Springboks, Mannie Libbok, All Blacks
Springboks flyhalf during the match against the All Blacks on Saturday 13 September 2025. Image: Hagen Hopkins
Source: Getty Images

One of the standout players was flyhalf Manie Libbok, who came on as a substitute for the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Libbok has faced heavy criticism from fans in recent months, but his display on Saturday silenced many doubters.

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Following the historic victory, Libbok posted a picture of himself holding a trophy on Instagram on Sunday, 14 September, captioned simply:

“God did.”

How did South Africans react to his message?

The post received plenty of love from South Africans online. Rachel, the ex-wife of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, who wished him a happy birthday in July, liked the post, while Springbok legend Bryan Habana and teammate Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also left comments of admiration. Fans joined in too:

@uncle:

“Legend, well done, brother.”

@zucaconti:

“Great work, brother.”

@millionaire:

“Own it, champ.”

@shriya:

“Proud is an understatement.”

@roche:

“Is there an award for the best flyhalf?”

@fave:

“You played an epic game. Well done.”

Manie Libbok’s rugby journey

Libbok’s rugby journey began in 2013 when he represented Eastern Province at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week. The following year, he moved to George, Western Cape, to attend Hoërskool Outeniqua, where his talent stood out at the 2015 Under-18 Craven Week.

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At that tournament, he scored an impressive 43 points across three matches, including 21 against his former team, Eastern Province, and finished as one of the top try-scorers.

Libbok made his Springboks debut in 2022 and has since earned 20 caps for South Africa. He recently featured in the Boks’ 45-0 win over Italy in Gqeberha.

Springboks, Mannie Libbok, Rugby Championship
Manie Libbok made his Test debut in 2022. Image: Hagen Hopkins
Source: Getty Images

Libbok is preparing to embark on a new journey in Japan, where he is reportedly set to join the Hanazono Liners. Back in June, Stormers Head Coach John Dobson confirmed that Libbok had ended his contract early to pursue an overseas move.

Speaking to the media, Dobson reflected warmly on Libbok’s time in Cape Town:

“We’ve shared an incredible journey with him, and his departure is a huge blow for us. The offer he received from Japan was extraordinary, the kind of deal that can transform not just his career, but his entire family’s future.”

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Dobson made it clear there were no hard feelings, adding:

“He leaves with our full blessing, and the door will always remain open for him to return.”

Take a look at the pictures below:

Mannie Libbok's post comes weeks after his beautiful wife, Verna, celebrated her strength and softness, which caught the attention of many South Africans.

Go through her pictures and video below:

Rassie Erasmus pays tribute to late Springbok Bevin Fortuin

Briefly News previously reported that Springboks Head Coach Rassie Erasmus has paid tribute to the late fullback Bevin Fortuin, who passed away on Thursday, 11 September 2025.

Fortuin earned two caps for the Springboks, debuting against Ireland in 2006 and featuring against Australia during the 2007 Tri-Nations series.

Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a sports journalist with years of experience covering African and global sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). He joined Briefly News in February 2025. For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za.

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