Will Hendrikse be a thorn in Pollard's side?
SPOTLIGHT: Handre Pollard’s insider knowledge of fellow Springbok world champions will be a massive asset for Leicester in their Champions Cup Round Two clash against the Sharks at Welford Road on Saturday.
The seasoned campaigner is set to also measure himself against at least one of emerging Sharks pivots Siya Masuku and Jordan Hendrikse, the latter ending the 2024 Test season in the Springbok No.10 jersey against Wales in Cardiff.
Pollard is relishing the opportunity to face his compatriots while lauding the growth of Hendrikse as a key player for the Sharks.
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“Jordan’s got a great head on his shoulders, he’s got a bit of everything, really,” said Pollard.
“He’s got a great future ahead of him.
“We all try to get the best out of each other [at the Springboks].
“We like playing against each other and we always go extra hard when we do.
“You want to measure yourself against the best in the world, and that is what they are.”
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Meanwhile, Pollard has quickly become integral to Director of Rugby Michael Cheika’s project in the East Midlands, blending kicking prowess with attacking flair to reshape the perception of his playing style.
A perfunctory look at the statistics reveals Pollard’s impact since joining Leicester from Montpellier in 2022.
In his debut season with the English Premiership club, the veteran playmaker scored four tries, kicked 32 conversions and 20 penalties for 144 points in 14 matches – this after making just 29 appearances, and notching 175 points, for Montpellier between 2019 and 2022.
Pollard took his play to the next level during the 2023-24 campaign with Tigers, with 152 points across 19 appearances, including two tries to go with precision goal-kicking.
A 20-point display for Leicester against the Stormers in last season’s Champions Cup showcased his composure and aptitude on the continental stage.
Under Cheika’s guidance, Pollard’s game has shifted from a kick-centric approach to something that better balances distribution and taking the ball to the line.
His versatility as a traditional No.10 and a creative inside centre has been instrumental in Leicester climbing into third in the Premiership this season.
Pollard has this season scored one try and kicked nine conversions and six penalties (41 points) for Tigers and was not deployed in last week’s 28-42 defeat at Bordeaux.
“I’m really enjoying playing, and everyone is enjoying it,” Pollard said.
“And you can’t underestimate how important that is.
“We have to play hard and be on it every week, but the enjoyment element of it is so important in a rugby group in a long season like we have these days.”
