We’re ready for anything, says Pollard

SPRINGBOK flyhalf Handre Pollard is confident that they will be ready for the British & Irish Lions despite their lack of Test rugby over the last two years and the disruptions caused by Covid-19.

Pollard was among a group of Bok players and management to test positive following their Test against Georgia two weeks ago, with the second one subsequently cancelled due to the situation in both camps.

Now, as they prepare for the opening Test at Cape Town Stadium against Warren Gatland’s Lions team on Saturday (6pm kick-off), the star flyhalf says they will be ready for anything.

“There is no way we are not going to be ready, playing against the British & Irish Lions, playing for your country,” Pollard said yesterday.

“Emotionally and physically we are all fine. We have had hard weeks of training. The way we train is harder than the game, so we will be ready for whatever comes our way on Saturday.”

The 27-year-old said that he was asymptomatic and explained how he kept mentally and physically sharp while in isolation.

“I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t have symptoms or anything, so it was just about getting through those 10 days by waiting.

“Physically it was good, and

I got through the return-to-play (protocols) pretty quickly, so personally for me, no low points and I’m ready to go,” he said.

“The first five, six days were spent in our rooms, giving our bodies time to fight whatever it’s got to fight. Then we were provided with the necessary gym equipment to use in our rooms.

“It was not about training hard or getting fit but just about balancing it out and not losing what you already have.”

On the possibility of going up against Welsh international Dan Biggar and what he is expecting from the tourists, Pollard said: “Going up possibly against Dan … he is a brilliant player and he is really playing well lately, but he has been a great player for very long (time).

“We have played against each other numerous times in the past, and it’s always been fun.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a big secret of what’s coming. The two sides play pretty similar games, and it’s going to come down to physicality, set-piece and all the basics.”