Pollard expected to take charge
MILESTONE: BOK FLYHALF JUST ONE SHY OF 300 POINTS
Flyhalf Handré Pollard has come under the radar in some circles after his performance against England last week, but Springbok backline coach Mzwandile Stick believes the player is taking ownership of the position.
Pollard needs just one point in his 37th Test against France in Paris tonight to reach the magical 300-mark in Test rugby, and at 299 he is just 13 points behind Naas Botha (312) on the all-time Bok scoring list.
The authority he was given under coach Rassie Erasmus had seen Pollard grow into one of the leaders of the side, according to Stick.
“Rassie has empowered the players to take responsibility and you can see that someone like Handré Pollard is taking charge as a leader on the field,” Stick said this week.
“I firmly believe Rassie has created an environment in which the players can be at their best, because he has been there as a player, so he knows exactly how to get the best out of the players.”
In expected wet weather, it was possible the Boks will lean heavily on the tactical kicking of players like Pollard, as well as the returning Faf de Klerk.
“France have got physical players in the pack and midfield and it’s going to be tough. It’s always going to be difficult playing France in Paris,” Stick said.
“To see Faf returning is great. He is a world-class player, and his experience and what he brings to the team is vital. He knows the European conditions.”
The aerial skills of wings Aphiwe Dyantyi and Sbu Nkosi would also be under siege tonight, though they will have the experienced Willie le Roux back in the No 15 jersey.
“I believe we are catching up and I think they’ve come a long way in terms of their work skills in the air,” Stick said.
“It’s an ongoing process and a big work-on in our game. We knew there was going to be a challenge in the north with the kicking game and the conditions.”