Leicester Tigers and Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard’s return to rugby action has been a welcome sight for both club and country.
The 2019 World Cup winner was sorely missed by the Springboks in 2022 as the side struggled to settle on an established goal kicker.
Starting Damian Willemse as the primary pivot, the Boks unearthed a fantastic playmaking deputy. The key issue unfortunately was the kicking at posts, an area which Willemse is erratic to say the least.
Pollard on the other hand is a proven international sharpshooter who had an 83% average from the tee when fit last season.
Around the park Pollard brings a level control unmatched by any option currently available to the Boks. Thus, his return could prove to be the key piece for the Boks in the upcoming World Cup.
One area in his game that is perhaps underrated is the immense physicality that he brings to the Bok backline.
Never has this been more evident than in the Tigers recent 26 – 5 win over Premiership rivals Gloucester.
Recovering a kick Pollard was faced with an onrushing Gloucester defence. Staying ice cold, he utterly blitzed through the oncoming defender.
Check it out!
Does this count as a defender beaten for Handre Pollard? pic.twitter.com/iXk7K5WDxz
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) March 12, 2023
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