Bok pivots put their egos aside
That is why the competition in the South Africa team is fierce, but also very healthy.
Handré Pollard, speaking to the media ahead of the Springboks' opening World Cup match against Japan in Brighton on Saturday, said the competition within a team is always a good thing.
"In the Springbok team there will always be competition, because the best players in the country are here," Pollard told a media scrum at the team's training base in Eastbourne.
"I have had quite a few opportunities," Pollard said about the rivalry between him and Patrick Lambie.
"I have played a bit more than him, but each time he has come on he has done a great job.
"Between him [Lambie], Morné [Steyn] and myself we have three very different flyhalves. However, it is good, because it is a good mix."
Pollard has certainly had the most game time this year, with a total of 212 minutes and three starts.
Lambie has played just 121 minutes this year and had just one start.
In the last 12 months Pollard has featured in 10 matches, with four starts and six games as a replacement. Lambie, in the same period, has played nine matches, with six starts and three as replacement.
Steyn has not played any Tests in the last 12 months.
Pollard said there is no question of any egos getting in the way.
"We spoke about it in our [pre-World Cup] team building," the 21-year-old said, adding: "Pat and Morné are probably the best examples of that.
"They never have a bad word to say about anybody – they are always positive, always working hard and always encouraging.
"That is the great thing about the Boks at the moment, we have a great culture and a great sense of caring for each other."
