Handré Pollard is the biggest reason the Vodacom Bulls believe they can beat Leinster in Friday night’s URC final at Croke Park, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the Bulls arrived in Dublin as a vastly different outfit to the one thrashed 32-7 by Leinster in last season’s Dublin decider.
“A year ago, Bulls coach Jake White had lost the change room and divided his coaching support staff. His replacement, Johan Ackermann, has rebuilt the squad and united them,” Keohane writes.
“The other primary difference is double World Cup winner Handré Pollard at flyhalf.”
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Pollard’s return to Pretoria provided the composure, leadership and big-match temperament they previously lacked.
Where Johan Goosen struggled to impose himself after returning from injury in last year’s final, Pollard has been recruited specifically to guide the Bulls through moments like this.
ACKERS: Bulls must match Leinster’s early intensity
His influence extends beyond tactics and goal-kicking, with Keohane highlighting the mental resilience that has spread throughout the squad.
“Mentally, they won’t come tougher in rugby than Pollard and this mental strength has been infectious with the Bulls.”
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Leinster boast a squad packed with internationals and rarely lose at home, yet the Bulls travelled with confidence after a dramatic turnaround that has seen them win crucial matches in the final minutes and overturn difficult situations away from home.
For Keohane, the Bulls have the scrum, the defence and the character to challenge Leinster. Most importantly, they have Pollard.
“Pollard is the key, as he has always been in any final.”
Photo: Vodacom Bulls
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Handré Pollard is the biggest reason the Vodacom Bulls believe they can beat Leinster in Friday night’s URC final at Croke Park, writes @mark_keohane
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