Bulls to bank on Pollard's calm for Belfast battle

Having a contingent of Springboks – including Handré Pollard – has brought an extra edge to the Bulls camp, according to hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

Fresh off back-to-back URC wins over the Ospreys (53-40) and Leinster (39-31), Johan Ackerman’s men are bracing for a testing three-week tour of Europe.

The Pretoria outfit will take on Ulster and Connacht in Ireland before wrapping up their campaign with a trip to Scotland to face the Glasgow Warriors.

Sitting proudly at the top of the URC table, the Bulls – like the other South African franchises – have been boosted by the return of their recent Rugby Championship-winning Springboks.

And one name stands out: Handré Pollard.

The double World Cup winner recently returned to the Loftus fold from English Premiership side Leicester Tigers, and Grobbelaar says his influence has been immediate.

“He’s one of the best flyhalves in the world, with heaps of experience,” Grobbelaar told reporters.

“He’s been at the Bulls before, so he’s not new to the environment. It’s great to have him back, and it’s great working with him again.

“His calmness on the field and the way he manages games will make a massive difference.

“He’s also played up north, so he knows what to expect in these wet conditions. It’s going to be great playing with him again.”

Pollard is one of 13 Springboks reintegrated into the Bulls setup ahead of the European tour.

“It’s good to have them back among us on the field,” Grobbelaar added.

“They bring great experience and a lot of new energy. It’s definitely a big boost for the squad.”

Eyeing a Bok recall

Grobbelaar, who featured in Tests against Portugal, Australia and Wales last year, hasn’t worn the green and gold this season – but he hasn’t given up hope.

“The Springboks have been doing great. I haven’t been involved this year, but you never know – there might be more opportunities in the future,” he said.

“For now, the focus is just on performing well for the Bulls and delivering week in and week out.”

The 27-year-old has been in outstanding form for the men from Loftus. He scored a hat-trick in the opening-round win over the Ospreys and followed that up with a defensive masterclass against Leinster – making 29 tackles and recording a 93.1 percent success rate.

Ulster Challenge

The Bulls’ next stop is Belfast, where they’ll face a bruising Ulster side on Friday.

“We’ve never won here,” Grobbelaar admitted.

“Ulster are a physical team with great ball-carriers and a strong maul.

“If we can stop their momentum, we’ll be right in the mix.”