🏉 Springbok’s Scotstoun Nightmare: Can Manie Libbok Redeem Himself as Glasgow Warriors Chase URC Glory Again?
One year ago at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow Warriors launched a remarkable title run in the United Rugby Championship — and South African fly-half Manie Libbok endured a night to forget.
The gifted Springbok struggled badly in the swirling Glasgow wind, missing multiple kicks and leaving crucial points on the board as the Stormers were outgunned 27–10. It was a turning point that sparked the Warriors’ charge to a famous title win, and a bitter memory for Libbok, who is on the bench this time around.
The Stormers return to Scotstoun on Friday for a rematch in the quarter-finals, but Glasgow again hold the advantage — this time boosted by the return of their attacking maestro, Sione Tuipulotu. The dynamic centre has been out since January with a torn pectoral but made a solid comeback two weeks ago against Leinster.
“His influence is massive,” said Chris Paterson, Scotland’s top points scorer. “His energy, skill, and personality lift everyone around him. He’ll be key against a physical Stormers defence.”
While Huw Jones remains sidelined with an Achilles injury, Stafford McDowall steps in to partner Tuipulotu in midfield. Meanwhile, Stormers coach John Dobson knows exactly where the danger lies. “Tuipulotu was excellent against us last time — their game-maker, their talisman. We must do better defending him.”
Glasgow have had injury concerns — Jack Dempsey, the Fagerson brothers, and Jones are all out — but key players return just in time. Henco Venter is back from suspension, Josh McKay has recovered from an ankle infection, and tighthead prop Murphy Walker makes his first start of the season.
The Stormers will hope Feinberg-Mngomezulu, starting ahead of Libbok at fly-half, can handle the Scotstoun conditions better. But with Tuipulotu back and the crowd behind them, Glasgow are primed to defend their home turf.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just another quarter-final — it’s a chance for redemption, revenge, and repeat glory.
