Pollard fit and feeling good ahead of France test

HANDRE Pollard’s body may be as familiar with a scalpel as it is with a fork, but he could not feel better.

“It is the best I’ve felt in the last two years. It’s funny but it’s true. I feel great. I don’t have any pain. I trained today [Tuesday] without any strapping. It was like a mini victory in its own.”

He explained his orthopaedic upheaval of the last two years.

“It was shoulder, knee, complications in the shoulder because of infection, then my ankle and then there were complications.”

Pollard’s restoration to full fitness has been duly noted, and he is likely to start in the No 10 jersey when the Springboks hope to get the bounce back in their step against France on Saturday.

Elton Jantjies has not been his assertive self, and the swagger has all but departed his game since he started occupying a deeper role in the Bok setup.

When he plays flat at the Lions, he poses more threat to the defensive line.

Pollard can operate in either position, and he brings more kicking metres when they need to reach touch.

He also brings a sturdier presence in defence, despite the reputational damage it suffered at the shoulder of Anton Lienert-Brown.

Pollard takes it to the line in a much different way, but he insists it does not require much adaptation.

“Those differences are there, but in the bigger picture it is not a big deal. The okes will adapt.

“We have both been training long enough with the team. It will be easy for the boys to adapt. It is just something we have to be able to do.”

He does not know whether he will start, but insists he is ready for whatever comes his way.

“I think calmness and composure is needed from me.”