Springbok flyhalves are pushing each other to new levels, says Handre Pollard ahead of Italy Test
Springboks
FILE - Springboks flyhalf Handre Pollard pictured during a training session. Pollard is still coach Rassie Erasmus’ go-to man for the big matches. SPRINGBOK flyhalf Handre Pollard pictured during a training session. | AFP
Image: AFP
For Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, it is a case of “my cup runneth over” regarding his flyhalf options, and one of them, Handre Pollard, says all the flyhalves are winners as a result.
It wasn’t that long ago that the flyhalf buck stopped with Pollard, but over the last two years, first Manie Libbok came through and now Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu has announced himself as an outrageous talent.
And currently outside the Bok squad are contenders in the Sharks duo of Jordan Hendrikse and Siya Masuku, while Johan Goosen at the Bulls could do a job.
FILE - Springboks flyhalf Manie Libbok made a big impact against the Barbarians with a flawless performance off the kicking tee.
Image: Backpagepix
“I think it is absolutely brilliant,” Pollard said of the competition for the No 10 jersey at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s first Test against Italy.
“We are blessed with so much talent in this country, and as long as we keep it healthy, like it is at the moment, we can push each other as hard as we can for the benefit of the team.
“The best thing I can do is push them every day in training and vice versa, they push me,” added Pollard, who recently concluded his time with the Leicester Tigers and has come home to the Bulls.
“With all the different skill sets and things we can do well, we learn from each other and try to evolve our games together. If I can teach them something, and they can teach me something, we are all winners. As long as it is healthy, and long may it be so.”
Pollard paid tribute to the new Springbok captain Jesse Kriel.
“Jesse is probably the hardest-working guy I know. He has been that way since we met at age 18. For me, there is nobody more deserving of the captaincy, “Pollard said. “As a player, you want to follow someone who leads by example.
“We have Siya (Kolisi), and we know he will be back, but Jesse is a guy that we can look at and say ‘this guy leads from the front every day and in every single training session.’ That is the kind of guy you want to play for.
“He is a great friend of mine, and we all have the utmost respect for him. That is why it is such an easy transition for him to slot in as captain. I am very proud of him.”