Handré Pollard insists his passion for playing Test rugby remains undiminished.
The three-time Rugby World Cup (RWC) medallist (a bronze and two golds) has had to take a back seat as the Boks spread flyhalf game time with Jordan Hendrikse, Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all getting a crack this season.
However, the 2027 RWC in Australia remains firmly in Pollard’s crosshairs.
“The drive is there more than ever,” said Pollard, 30, when asked whether the weight of medals has eroded his appetite. “I’ve never played rugby for medals or cups. We started playing because we enjoy it and then you get an opportunity to play for the Springboks.
“When you do that it is all about the Boks — that they win and do well. Every guy here, irrespective of what you’ve achieved before, that is our biggest focus. The medals and cups are nice but the drive is still there and this group can still achieve a lot. We still have lots of plans.”
You have to test yourself in these tough games away. On the road — that is where you learn the most about yourself
— Handré Pollard
Pollard remains pivotal to the Bok cause. Injury prevented his initial inclusion for last year’s RWC but he was summoned when the opportunity presented itself. He was again instrumental in helping them win tight contests en route to the defence of their title.
His role, however, has shifted. He was a 72nd minute replacement for Feinberg-Mngomezulu in yesterday’s Rugby Championship opener in Brisbane. His role has become more mentor, for Feinberg-Mngomezulu in particular than metronomic goalkicker. “I cannot speak highly enough about Sacha and the way he’s come into the group, and he’s hunger to learn,” Pollard said about the 22-year-old.
“He’s cool, he’s young and he’s got all this unbelievable talent, which is something he must never let go. For us, it is just about helping him. Make him feel comfortable. Learn where we can help him out. You have to test yourself in these tough games away. On the road — that is where you learn the most about yourself.
“I’m very excited. He’s got to enjoy it first and foremost. He must learn. He’s gonna make mistakes, do great things and it is up to us to look after him so that he can be the best Sacha for us, because that is what we need.”
Different position
With Feinberg-Mngomezulu likely to command much game time, as the Bok management layers his experience, Pollard may have to spread his efficiencies to a different position. “That is in the future maybe, I don’t know if that is the role I have to fulfil in the team,” said Pollard about potentially having game time at inside centre. “Of course I would do that.”
Whether Bok attack coach Tony Brown will advocate such a move remains to be seen. “We really enjoy working with Tony,” said Pollard. “He’s been really great. He comes with a different mindset and a different way of thinking. That is something the boys have reacted really well to.”
Brown has brought a fresh dimension to the Bok attack, and though the Boks seek width earlier and look far more comfortable in possession, the new doctrine will take a while to bed down. “Of course, it is going to take time to get comfortable with everything he wants us to do,” said Pollard.
“But he’s getting us excited to attack. It is still Test match rugby but there are these little windows in which we can express ourselves, and we will do that. Tony gives us a really good platform to do that. Whether that is at 10 or 12 doesn’t matter to me, as long as I contribute to the team.”
While Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s confidence often manifests in audacity and daring, the assurance Pollard brings is evidenced in his time-honoured reliability.
He has learnt to roll with the punches. “It is not something one wants to be good at but it is part of the game,” he said about weathering setbacks.
“It is going to cross your path somewhere. You have to stay in your own reality. In the modern world it is easy to see stuff on social media but it is important to know who to listen to. To know yourself. I just want my teammates to know who I am.”
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