Pollard a man for the 'big moments'
Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard has all the physical and mental attributes to make a seamless and successful shift to inside centre.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke caused a stir this week when he named Pollard, who also captained South Africa Under-20 from the flyhalf position this year, at inside centre for the Currie Cup semifinal showdown against Western Province on Saturday.
The cynical portion of the country's couch pundits believe he will be used as a crash-ball player.
Ludeke, however, is adamant that Pollard will make the transition without compromising his special skillset.
"We know that his preferred position is flyhalf," Ludeke told rugby365 in an interview, as his team headed to Cape Town for Saturday's outing at Newlands.
"With [regular No.12] Burger [Odendaal] out injured, we had to make meaningful decision about our midfield.
"The [battle on the] advantage line will be important in this game," the Bulls mentor said of the big north-south derby.
Ludeke pointed out that Pollard played with distinction at No.12 for the South African Under-20 team last year, as well as in the Bulls' junior teams and in the Varsity Cup.
"He is familiar with the demands of that position," the coach said of the Bok flyhalf.
"Obviously this [Currie Cup semifinal] is at another level, but I feel he is a player for the big moments.
"He has the character and the decision-making, so it should not be a problem for him to make the step up.
"I believe it is a good decision to play him alongside [flyhalf] Jacques-Louis [Potgieter] this weekend."
Ludeke agreed that – just like All Black greats Dan Carter and Aaron Mauger – Pollard will also be able to move seamlessly between flyhalf and inside centre.
"I don't want to get all philosophical about it," he told rugby365, adding: "However, good flyhalves do possess the decision-making ability to play well at No.12.
"There are similarities between those two positions in terms of decision-making and tactical play, which allow creative playmakers to get the team on the front foot."
Ludeke admitted that in their last encounter with Province – an 18-23 loss at Loftus Versfeld – they had great field position and plenty of possession.
"Tactically we were very good," he said, adding: "We just could put the points on the board.
"We took a long hard look at how we can break down that [WP] defence, as it will again be important for us this weekend.
"When we get into position we must put points on the board.
"Getting points creates energy in the team, especially when you plans bring rewards."
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
