VIDEO: Pollard got a 'pretty good bargain'
REACTION: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard says he is physically and mentally ready for Test rugby after battling a knee injury for most of the past season.
Pollard will start in the No.10 jersey on Friday against Georgia after missing most of the European season with Montpellier after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament last September.
He only returned to the rugby field in May, but he is ready to make a difference once again from the all-important flyhalf position.
“It’s massively special to be back in the environment with your mates and the coaches,” said Pollard.
“It’s a special group we got here. Just to be back is very exciting.
“On a personal note, for a guy to tear his ACL and not miss a Test match is a pretty good bargain. I just very happy to be here.”
He added: “I have been working very hard getting back from the injury and I got some game time with Montpellier.
“Physically and mentally I am ready to go.
“I am really excited and I will just try and influence the game positively and try to lead the boys in the right direction.
“I want to try and give some guidance to the new guys and keep them calm and just make sure we put out the best performance on Friday.”
#REACTION: It was Jacques Nienaber’s door 👇 https://t.co/t5sYdgQJt8
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) June 29, 2021
Pollard will have the luxury of playing alongside his Montpellier halfback partner, Cobus Reinach, on Friday.
“It is great to have Cobus with me. We have become great mates over the last year and a half.
“We spent a lot of time together. Unfortunately, we did not play together too much for Montpellier because of Covid and my injury.
“But we trained a lot together, so we got a good understanding and it is going to be great having him on my inside.
“I also got the old dog, Francois Steyn, on my outside with all the experience in the world. I will try and get him as angry as possible before Friday night so that he can do some damage,” said the Bok flyhalf.
