VIDEO: Bok star reminds everyone of his No.1 status
SPOTLIGHT: Flyhalf Handre Pollard proved once again why he is an integral part of the Springbok machine going into the next World Cup in 2027.
The 31-year-old delivered a man-of-the-match performance in South Africa’s 30-22 win over the Wallabies in Cape Town on Saturday.
Pollard replaced Manie Libbok in the No.10 jersey for the match, and the double World Cup winner was a calming presence in pressure situations on the field.
He slotted three penalty goals and three conversions for a personal points tally of 15 points.
His performance was a reminder of his status as the No.1 playmaker in the Springbok squad.
The story continues below…
“It’s great to contribute to the team, and the only thing I care about is the win,” said Pollard.
“Honestly, that is the only thing we needed today [Saturday].
“A lot of guys played very well. I know there’s always got to be one [man of the match], but for me it was only about getting the win.”
The story continues below…
Pollard has been in the Bok setup for a very long time, but he is hungrier than ever to see South Africa succeed, and his professionalism was there for all to see in Cape Town.
“It was never about trophies, medals or awards,” he added
“You just want to play for South Africa. That’s the main thing.
“If you get one Test, it’s a privilege, and if you get to play for a few years like I have, it is just unbelievable.
“As you get older, you appreciate it even more because you know the end is getting closer.
“It is such an unbelievable group of men.
“It is something you just want to be a part of as long as you possibly can. You want to win, and you want to keep South Africa right up there.
“The trophies and the medals are nice, but for us it is about making South Africa proud and making the Springboks the best team in the world.”
Meanwhile, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus had plenty of praise for his star player after Saturday’s result at Cape Town Stadium.
“Handre’s cool head was needed and he kicked his penalties over,” said Erasmus.
“Where [James] O’Connor missed two [penalties], Handre kicked all of his, so he was important.
“People forget that Handre is 31, so we are happy.
“He steadied the ship.”
@rugby365com
