Pollard on bench for Bulls after all as Libbok laid low by appendicitis
THE loss of attacking genius Manie Libbok due to appendicitis yesterday was a big blow for the Blue Bulls but it is to his replacement in the experienced and talented Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard that the men in blue will look to guide them to victory in their Currie Cup clash against the Sharks tomorrow.
Pollard’s release from the Springbok team to play Currie Cup rugby, along with that of teammate Rudy Paige, had caused a bit of heat after Bulls coach John Mitchell stated that he would not be considering them for the game against the Sharks.
Mitchell’s explanation was reasonable and fair considering that it has only been a month since he took over the reins of the team and he was still busy laying a foundation with the players at his disposal.
But Libbok’s unfortunate illness has paved the way for Pollard to get some much-needed game time, while also giving the Bulls some firepower on their bench in a game that could go a long way in determining whether the men from the capital remain relevant in the competition.
Pollard has not played in the domestic competition this year, but Mitchell is confident that a player of his calibre will slot in easily having spent the better part of this week training with the team.
“As good as Handre is, it is always difficult for a new player coming back in to get rhythm, it’s all about timing and getting used to the intuitiveness of the teammate you play around in terms of attack and defence. It does take time and that is the way it works. You need to be working together for periods of time but you expect the better players and some of the best players in the world to adjust to that a lot quicker than others,” said Mitchell.
“It is good to have his experience back, he is getting used to the way we train and he is looking even better than when he was with us for two days before they went to Australia and New Zealand.”
The continuity in team selection that Mitchell has been able to maintain for the past two weeks has brought a belief and trust amongst the players.Mitchell has managed to keep the changes to his team to a minimum, with Johnny Kotze making his first start on the wing ahead of Sibahle Manxwane, while Ivan van Zyl will start at scrumhalf ahead of Andre Warner who falls out of the match-day 22.
Mitchell will be banking heavily on the consistency in team selection in bringing about enough cohesion to break the Sharks’ eight-match winning run and haul themselves back into playoff contention.
“Ultimately we must continue to focus on ourselves and make sure that we continue to bring the same attitude. We obviously want to continue to bring the same sort of teamwork and always searching to become smarter in our game. It is not about focusing on the Sharks or the log, it’s actually just focusing on ourselves and that is what we are preoccupied with. It’s about keeping our eye on the ball and not worrying about what we can’t control. It’s the same stuff but you want to practice, practice, practice and just get better, better and better,” Mitchell said.