This past Saturday, in no uncertain terms, Handre Pollard demonstrated what the Springboks had been missing against the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship opener.
After a shock defeat, Pollard returned at 10, and added a palpable sense of calm and composure throughout the game. His kicking out of hand and at goals was world-class, and it was a clear reminder that when it comes to must-win matches, he is the general the Springboks need.
Yes, there may be some matches where the distribution strengths of Manie Libbok or the X factor of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu may be preferred, but it’s the Big Match Temperament of Pollard that puts him at the top of the pecking order at 10.
Still only 31-years-old, Pollard still has enough youth on his side to believe the Springboks will want to manage him through to the next World Cup, and to reach his 100-cap milestone (he currently has 83 Tests under the belt).
Handre Pollard was named Man of the Match for the Springboks
This past weekend Pollard slotted three penalty goals and three conversions for a personal points tally of 15 points, and it’s also his incredible accuracy when kicking for poles that sets him apart from any other goal kicker.
Pollard, who made his debut for the Springboks in 2014, said playing for South Africa remained incredibly special despite all the accolades over the decade that he has been playing, and he cherished still being part of the squad.
“For me, it was never about trophies, medals, or awards,” said Pollard. “It’s about playing for South Africa, and if you play one Test it’s a privilege, or for a few years as I have, it remains unbelievable. The older one gets, you appreciate it even more because the end is getting closer.
“This is such an unbelievable group of men, coaches, and management, you want to be part of it as long as you can, and to do that, you must work hard and play well. We want to win, keep South Africa right up there and make the country proud.”
The Springboks will depart for New Zealand on Tuesday, where they will face the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, 6 September, and then at the Sky Stadium in Wellington a week later on 13 September.
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